Jim Ukrop Obituary, Death – Richmond Business and Civic Leader Dies at 89
Jim Ukrop, the longtime Richmond businessman, civic leader and former president of Ukrop’s Super Markets, died Friday evening at the age of 89, according to his family. His health had been declining for some time, and his death was not unexpected.
For decades, Ukrop was closely connected to the growth of Richmond’s business community and to numerous civic, educational, cultural and charitable efforts across the city.
Building the Ukrop’s Grocery Business
Ukrop’s Super Markets began with a small store in South Richmond during the Great Depression. The family’s grocery venture was made possible after the family farm was mortgaged for $1,000.
Jim joined the family business in 1960 after graduating from college. He later persuaded his father to open a second store, beginning an expansion that eventually made Ukrop’s one of the Richmond region’s leading grocery chains.
A graduate of John Marshall High School and William & Mary, Jim became president of the company in 1974. He held that position for two decades before his younger brother, Bobby Ukrop, took over the role.
The brothers frequently credited the company’s success to principles including friendliness, customer service and treating people according to the Golden Rule. Jim once described the goal as making customers “feel better when they leave than when they come in.”
Ukrop’s eventually operated 25 stores in the Richmond area. The family sold the grocery business to Giant-Carlisle in 2010 for approximately $140 million. The stores later transitioned to the Martin’s brand, while Ukrop’s continued as a smaller food manufacturing operation. The company’s products remain available through other retailers and at Ukrop’s Market Hall in Henrico County.
A Major Presence in Richmond
Jim Ukrop’s influence extended well beyond the grocery industry. He served as chairman of First Market Bank, which had originated as a banking operation inside Ukrop’s stores, and later co-founded New Richmond Ventures, an investment firm focused on local startups.
His civic involvement included efforts supporting Richmond’s public schools, Communities in Schools and initiatives designed to recruit talented teachers to Richmond Public Schools.
He was also deeply involved in downtown revitalization. During the 1980s, Ukrop participated in the formation of Richmond Renaissance and helped support the development of the Richmond Folk Festival. He was a founding director of the Richmond Performing Arts Alliance, which helped lead fundraising efforts for what is now the Dominion Energy Center for the Performing Arts.
Former Venture Richmond leader Jack Berry described Ukrop as a major business and civic figure who personally participated in community initiatives rather than limiting his involvement to financial contributions.
Supporting Entrepreneurs and Community Builders
Ukrop’s support for entrepreneurs was another significant part of his civic work.
Zarina Fazaldin, who built a real estate career focused on restoring historic Richmond homes, credited Ukrop with helping her pursue her business ambitions. She received advice and loans from him and continues to keep a handwritten note he gave her in 1995 encouraging her to remain focused on her dream.
His sons, Ted and Scott Ukrop, also remembered their father’s emphasis on taking action and helping others.
Jim’s civic interests occasionally placed him at the center of public debates. He supported various efforts involving Richmond’s political, economic and social development and later became involved in opposition to proposals to bring a casino to the city.
He also attracted criticism from some who viewed his influence through the lens of Richmond’s established business community. Ukrop maintained that his involvement was intended to help the city reach its potential.
Family, Faith and Golf
Jim met his wife, Bobbie, while they were students at William & Mary. He remained closely connected to the university and served two terms on its Board of Visitors.
Outside his professional and civic activities, golf was his primary hobby. One of the sayings recalled by his son Ted captured Ukrop’s lighthearted approach to the balance between work and recreation: “I work for fun and I play golf for tension.”
The Ukrop family was also known for strong religious and personal values. The family-owned supermarkets were traditionally closed on Sundays and did not sell alcohol.
Jim Ukrop’s life was marked by business growth, community involvement, philanthropy and a sustained interest in Richmond’s future. His work touched the city’s grocery industry, downtown development, education, entrepreneurship, arts and charitable organizations.
As family, friends and longtime colleagues remember his life, Ukrop leaves behind a legacy deeply connected to the Richmond community and the generations of people and organizations he supported.