Union Pacific Corp. Chairman James R. “Jim” Young, who worked his way from an entry-level finance position to chairman, president and chief executive officer, died today after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 61 years old.
A lifelong Omaha resident and the oldest of six children, Young was elected Union Pacific Corporation chairman in January 2007. He served as president and chief executive officer from November 2005 until March 2012. Prior to those appointments, Young was Union Pacific Railroad president and chief operating officer, a position he had held since January 2004. He was elected a director of Union Pacific Corporation in February 2005.
“Jim was an icon at Union Pacific and in the railroad industry, a colleague and great friend,” Jack Koraleski, Union Pacific president and CEO, said in a statement.
“Jim’s vision and leadership took Union Pacific to unparalleled heights and his civic contributions made positive impacts on many communities across Nebraska and the entire Union Pacific system.
