James “Jim” Ukrop, former CEO of Ukrop’s Supermarkets and a towering figure in Richmond’s business and civic renaissance, died on September 25, 2026, at age 89. His family-owned grocery chain defined Central Virginia retail for decades before its sale, leaving a legacy of community investment, philanthropy, and downtown revitalization.
James “Jim” Ukrop, whose family-owned grocery stores became a cultural cornerstone of Central Virginia, died on Sept. 25, 2026, in Richmond at the age of 89. His passing drew an outpouring of grief and gratitude from city and state leaders who remembered him as a pragmatic visionary who poured his time, energy, and private resources into the economic and cultural growth of his hometown.
Born in 1937—the same year his parents opened their first shop—Ukrop grew up working in the family business. That foundational venture began with a modest 16-by-32-foot store on Hull Street in South Richmond, financed by mortgaging the family farm for $1,000. After graduating from the College of William & Mary in 1960, Ukrop joined the enterprise full-time, convincing his father to open a second location and setting off decades of expansion across the region. James Ukrop was the eldest son of Joseph and Jacquelin Ukrop, who founded the grocery chain. Jim Ukrop graduated from John Marshall High School and the College of William & Mary, where he was a business management major and a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Jim assumed the presidency of Ukrop’s in 1974.
Building a Regional Grocery Empire and Retail Legacy
Under the direction of Jim and his younger brother, Bobby, Ukrop’s Super Markets grew into a dominant chain that operated 29 locations at its height, employed roughly 6,000 people, and held a reported value of more than half a billion dollars, alongside holding the largest market share in the region for roughly two decades. For the next 25 years, the 500-square-foot market grew to over 10,000 square feet. Jim Ukrop joined in 1960 and, shortly after, opened the second store. Almost 15 years later, in 1974, Jim became the CEO. The business was famous for its strict adherence to family values: the stores were closed on Sundays and did not sell alcohol, operating instead on a deep commitment to customer service and community welfare.
Tales of exceptional customer care became part of Richmond lore.
The grocery chain distinguished itself not simply by what it sold, but how it did business.
Facing intensifying competition, the family business ultimately saw transitions, though the Ukrop’s footprint persisted through food manufacturing operations. We’ll miss him.
Glad he’s in a better place.
Civic Leadership and Post-Grocery Ventures
Rather than stepping back after leaving the supermarket industry, Ukrop channeled his energy into civic development. City leaders emphasized that Ukrop’s influence extended far beyond commerce. Richmond Mayor Danny Avula said the city lost an extraordinary figure. This weekend, Richmond lost an incredible leader, laborer, and friend.
Jim Ukrop's influence on the greater Richmond community has been profound,
Avula said.
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,
Avula said Ukrop’s impact extended far beyond the grocery business. Virginia Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi also shared her thoughts: I am saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Ukrop.
Deep Ties to Alma Mater William & Mary
Ukrop maintained a lifelong relationship with the College of William & Mary, embodying the university’s values of service, integrity and excellence throughout his distinguished life and career.