Richmonders remember the life and legacy of Jim Ukrop
Richmonders from all walks of life shared their memories of Jim Ukrop, who died Friday evening at the age of 89.
The Richmonder invites those who knew him or were impacted by him to share their stories at news@richmonder.org.
Graham Moomaw
Mayor Danny Avula
"This weekend, Richmond lost an incredible leader, laborer and friend. Jim Ukrop's influence on the greater Richmond community has been profound.
"At a time when many business leaders found it easier to disengage from the city and its issues, Jim believed deeply in the importance of Richmond, and poured his time, energy and resources into charting its course for the future."
Eric Walters, co-founder, Ellwood Thompson's
"Jim always took my call and was incredibly helpful with his time and advice. He could have just blown me off since I was sort of a competitor, but he never did.
"I called once with a vexing situation and he confirmed we were doing the right things and to just keep moving forward. I will always remember his kindness and helpfulness."
Laura Markley, General Partner, New Richmond Ventures
"I had the privilege for working with Jim for more than 10 years at New Richmond Ventures. About a week after I started, he took me to lunch, looked me in the eyes and said, 'There won't be a trailer behind my hearse.'
"I did a confused deer-in-the-headlights stare back and he explained, 'I won't be one of those people that tries to take it all with them. I want to give it away now, to people who need it. That's what this firm is about, finding people and ideas and helping them.'
"He was such a generous and warm-hearted person, who continually found ways to give to both big organizations and individual needs. One of my other favorite memories was when we threw him an 80th birthday party at the office. When we called for a toast he said, 'I pray to God every night to have one more day. I think I can make a difference if I have one more day.' Boy, did he make a difference with every day he had.
Barbara Couto Sipe, CEO, United Way of Greater Richmond
"Jim was a trusted advisor to so many of us in the nonprofit community. His passion and philanthropy for education and helping all children thrive has helped countless numbers of young people. We all owe Jim a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.
"Love and prayers to his family and close friends. Rest in peace, Jim."
Sen. Tim Kaine
"Jim Ukrop played an irreplaceable role in Richmond’s renaissance and also served as one of my first and most consistent supporters as I entered public life. I visited him recently to tell him how much he meant to me and will miss him deeply."
Gov. Abigail Spanberger
"Jim Ukrop leaves behind a large legacy of civic leadership and business acumen, and I know he will be profoundly missed by many in Richmond and across Virginia. He was a steadfast believer in investing in community and public education, and worked for many years on revitalizing Richmond. I join so many Virginians in sending thoughts to his family, friends, and the extensive community he leaves behind."
A.J. Hostetler
"In the run-up to Christmas, I was in a long checkout line at Ukrops. Jim Ukrop was bagging customer groceries.
"Ahead of me in that long line was a young man with a package of shucked corn on the cob. When he finally got to the cashier, he was told that no, he couldn't pay with a credit card (this was the late 90s). He lost his temper, threw down the corn and stalked off in disgust.
"Jim saw what happened and grabbed the corn and ran after the guy. Through the store windows, I could see that he caught up to the guy and gave him the corn. When he returned, he told me that the guy deserved to have a happy holiday dinner."
Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi
"An iconic figure, a true business and civic leader, Jim has long been one of the most compelling visionaries in Richmond and Virginia. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, innumerable friends, and all his colleagues."
Sarah Abubaker, City Councilor
"Richmond was more interesting, more fun, and more fair because of Jim Ukrop. When I think about the arc of my life and career, Jim or his influence was there at every critical turn. He supported me when I moved from politics into Richmond’s nonprofit world, advocated for my education and let me bounce ideas off him. We shared a love for this city, frustration with its shortcomings and a belief that it could always do better.
"Jim believed in me when others hesitated. He invested in me financially and spiritually. It is no overstatement to say I am where I am today because of him. What’s remarkable is that I know hundreds, if not thousands, of others feel the same way. I hope we can honor him by carrying his vision forward and continuing to make Richmond better."
Laura Lafayette, CEO, Richmond Association of Realtors
"My parents, who are 90 and 88, met and fell in love while working at the first Ukrops "store" in Southside. My grandmother and two great aunts worked as cashiers at the store for their entire working life.
"The Ukrops paid for my grandmother's health insurance from the time of her mandatory retirement at 65 until she died at 105. Both James (as he was known in our family) and Bobby came to my grandmother's 100th birthday party and her funeral.
"All of the Dillard cousins worked at Ukrops. I can still remember my orientation: Bobby preached the Golden Rule. Jim asked each of us what we liked best about our job. We all said this and that; Jim said, not true. The best thing is the paycheck. My uncle spent his entire career working with Jim and Bobby. For me to work at Ukrops as a teenager and then to be mentored by and serve alongside Jim in so many different civic endeavors over the last 30 years has been such an incredible, humbling privilege. I will miss him. Godspeed."
Jennifer McClellan, U.S. Congress
"Jim’s passion for closing the racial divides in the former Capital of the Confederacy knew no limits. A self-described 'dot connector,' he loved identifying young talent and connecting them to people who could help them reach their full potential. I am honored to be one of the dots he helped connect over the years, and to have called him a friend."
Scott Garka
"Jim Ukrop was one of several people I was encouraged to meet when I first joined CultureWorks in my first role leading a nonprofit organization. ... Frankly, I was intimidated to think about meeting him.
"When we finally met, he made me feel so welcome and all that intimidation washed away. He was so humble, and welcoming, and seemed genuinely interested in getting to know each other. I treasure the many coffees we had over the years when I sought his advice and we got to know each other a bit. He was a believer in the power of arts and culture to build a stronger community."
Tom Silvestri
"Jim Ukrop is a legend, leaving a huge void in the Richmond Region. He was always thinking of better ways – to operate businesses, to improve our communities’ qualify of life and, in particular, to raise up education. He did it collaboratively, pulling everyone along so the whole was stronger than the parts.
"I lost count how many times I would sit near him at some meeting or event and leave with a pocketful of notes — ideas, what ifs, solutions, projects, names to contact, actions to take, things to do. He wanted the best for all of us. Jim Ukrop was Richmond’s ultimate, charismatic Big Brother.
"Heartfelt condolences to his family."
Glenwood Burley
"Jim Ukrop's wealth was his kindness, and a sincere interest in his Richmond Community. His wealth was the reality of his contributions to so many worthy causes that enhanced citizens of all ages. His politics was the betterment for everyone. A lifelong supporter of the law enforcement family, Jim will always be cherished and appreciated."
William & Mary President Katherine A. Rowe
"Jim Ukrop was a lifelong innovator: pragmatic, savvy, and farsighted, and joyfully committed to the prosperity of his communities. His alma mater was the grateful beneficiary of his loyal leadership. We send our deepest sympathy to Bobbie, their children, grandchildren, and extended family. We will miss Jim’s friendship and his spirited presence at Tribe Athletics events. With great affection, we will continue to steward his legacy of excellence at William & Mary."
Scott Hammer
“About 20 years ago, I mentioned that I lived on Floyd Avenue.
“When I got into the grocery business, Jim said, ‘My father said to me, 'never take a check from anyone who lives on Floyd Avenue.’ He said it with a smile and a wink, so I knew he was just needling me.
“At least half a dozen times over the next decade or so, I'd run into Jim at one networking event or another. Every time, Jim would say ‘You're that consultant who lives on Floyd Avenue, aren't you? You know when I got into the grocery business…’
“Even though I had moved off Floyd Avenue, I'd always say ‘that's right, Jim, but my checks are good.’
“Jim was a great force for good in our community, and I feel blessed and honored to have known him, if only casually. He will be missed. RIP, Jim.”
