Union Pacific Chairman James Young Dies After Battling With Pancreatic Cancer

(RTTNews) - Rail transport services provider Union Pacific Corp. (UNP) said Saturday its Chairman James Young died after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 61 years old.

Young, who worked his way from an entry-level finance position to take top positions at Union Pacific, was elected as the company's chairman in January 2007. He served as president and CEO 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.

Young began his railroad career with Union Pacific in 1978 and held a variety of management positions.

Young also served on the boards of FXE Railroad in Mexico, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, The Knights of Aksarben Foundation, Heritage Services, and Creighton University.

Young is survived by his wife Shirley, three children and two grandchildren.

Union Pacific said its board will elect a successor as chairman, as prescribed by the company's governance policy.

Omaha, Nebraska-based Union Pacific Corporation, through its subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad Co., provides rail transportation services.