Former Hampton Mayor Jimmy Eason, known as an ‘extraordinary leader,’ has died

Former Hampton Mayor Jimmy Eason has died. He was 80.

He passed away peacefully on Tuesday in his home surrounded by loved ones.

Eason, a Hampton native, served as the city’s mayor from 1982-98. He was also a Hampton High School graduate and attended the University of North Carolina, where he played football. He later served as the city’s economic development director from 2004-12.

City Councilwoman Martha Mugler said Eason has “left an indelible mark on Hampton.”

During his time as mayor, Eason transformed the landscape of Hampton. He led extensive projects, including the development of the Virginia Air and Space Center. He also pushed the revitalization of Carousel Park, supported the creation of the 13-story Harbour Centre building in downtown, transformed a library into the Charles H. Taylor Arts Center. Eason also helped keep Fort Monroe open in the 1990s when it was on the base closure list.

“I think it’s just a tremendous loss to the city of Hampton,” Mugler said. “My husband and I were young adults when Mr. Eason was mayor. And, you know, he made a tremendous difference in the city. He had a big heart for Hampton. He was a native and made great strides in redevelopment of the downtown area and really put his heart and soul into this community.”

Councilman Steven Brown described Eason as a “visionary” and “an extraordinary leader.”

“He actually was someone who helped us put Hampton on the map,” Brown said. “He helped us to develop. He was collaborator. Jimmy was a bridge builder. And he loved Hampton and he gave back so much to our community.”

Brown said Eason was well known in Hampton and across the region.

“When I heard yesterday that he had passed, you know, it really broke my heart,” Brown said. “Because I just knew the contribution that he made. Jimmy is a Hampton hero, in my opinion. He’s an icon. He was a great person and I have so much respect for him.”

Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck said Eason helped make Hampton “a better city” and that he played a significant role in revitalizing downtown.

“And to think that he did it for 16 years — it’s just a phenomenal achievement,” Tuck said.

Eason made history as the first citizen-elected mayor in 1982. Before that, Eason had served four years on the School Board. He was re-elected mayor numerous times before resigning in 1998.

“Former Mayor Eason did so much to enhance our community,” said City Manager Mary Bunting. “From the physical improvements to his impact on people, myself included, his legacy lives on. He loved Hampton, and we loved him.”

Eason is survived by his wife Midge Johnston Eason, his daughter Nancy Towe Eason and his daughter Katherine Eason Carleton.

A visitation will be held at the R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home in Hampton from 4-6 p.m. on Friday. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the First United Methodist Church of Hampton, VA, with a reception afterward in the church’s Fellowship Hall.

Josh Janney, joshua.janney@virginiamedia.com