RICHMOND, Va. — James “Jim” Ukrop, the former CEO of Ukrop’s Supermarkets whose family-owned grocery stores were a staple of the Richmond community for generations, has died, prompting an outpouring of tributes from city and state leaders. He was 89 years old.
Richmond Mayor Danny Avula said the city lost an extraordinary number over the weekend.
“This weekend, Richmond lost an incredible leader, worker and friend. Jim Ukrop’s influence on the greater Richmond community was profound,” Avula said.
In a multi-part statement posted to social media, Avula described Ukrop as a visionary who remained deeply committed to Richmond at a time when many business leaders were retreating from the city.
“At a time when many business leaders found it easier to disengage from the city and its problems, Jim believed deeply in the importance of Richmond and devoted his time, energy and resources to charting a path forward for the future,” Avula said.
Avula said Ukrop’s impact extends far beyond the grocery industry.
“Jim threw himself into countless endeavors, always helping to open doors for others, and played a tremendous role in creating the vibrant and growing Richmond of today,” Avula said. “We celebrate a life well lived and are confident that Jim’s legacy of commitment, generosity and compassion will inspire the next generation of community leaders in our city.”
VIDEO VAULT: Ukrop’s Opens New Store at Village Shopping Center in November 1994
The mayor also shared a personal memory, recalling more than a decade of working alongside Ukrop on the Communities in Schools Council.
“I have seen first-hand his passion for supporting our school system and investing in our teachers, students and families,” Avula said. “In fact, Jim was one of the very first people to suggest that I consider running for mayor one day, almost 12 years ago. Although the idea seemed completely absurd to me at the time, in this and many other things, Jim could often see what others could not. Richmond is a better city for it.”
Virginia Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi also mourned Ukrop’s passing.
“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Ukrop. An iconic figure, true business leader and civic leader, Jim has long been one of Richmond and Virginia’s most compelling visionaries,” Hashmi said. “I send my deepest condolences to his family, his countless friends and all his colleagues.”
Ukrop was born into a family of grocers. His father, Joe Ukrop, founded the first Ukrop’s Market in 1937 – a 16-by-32-foot store on Hull Street in South Richmond, about the size of a two-car garage, opened after Joe convinced his father to mortgage the family farm. Jim joined the family business full time in 1960 after graduating from William & Mary. It was there that the business management graduate met his future wife, Bobbie Berkeley.
Jim led the company’s expansion to five stores in South Richmond and Chesterfield County in the late 1960s. With his brother Bobby, he grew the chain to 29 locations throughout Central Virginia, building a reputation for top-notch customer service, incredible prepared foods and deep community involvement. He also served as president of First Market Bank.
Video Vault 2002: Honoring Joseph Ukrop and Ukrop’s Grocery Supermarkets
Video Vault 2002: Honoring Joseph Ukrop and Ukrop’s Grocery Supermarkets
Ukrop Grocery Stores was sold in 2010 to the Dutch parent company of Martin’s Food Stores. Ukrop then turned his energy toward Richmond’s future. He co-founded New Richmond Ventures to support start-up businesses and championed the arts, public education and the renaissance of downtown Richmond. The Dominion Energy Center and the Quirk Hotel are two of the most visible examples of its impact on the city.
William & Mary President Katherine A. Rowe remembers Ukrop as a visionary.
“Jim Ukrop has always been an innovator: pragmatic, wise and far-sighted, and joyfully committed to the prosperity of his communities. His alma mater has been a grateful beneficiary of his loyal leadership,” Rowe said.
Senior Vice President for University Advancement Matthew T. Lambert said Ukrop’s legacy will live on on the campus he loved.
“Jim leaves behind a grateful university community who will forever cherish the memory of his leadership, loyalty and love,” Lambert said.
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