James E. “Jim” Ukrop, the Richmond businessman, philanthropist and longtime William & Mary leader who helped transform his family’s grocery business into a regional institution, has died at the age of 89.
Ukrop died on September 25, 2026, in Richmond, Virginia, according to William & Mary and local reports. His death marks the end of a career that extended far beyond the supermarket industry, with decades of involvement in Richmond’s business community, education, arts, entrepreneurship and civic development.
For generations of Richmond residents, the Ukrop name was closely associated with the grocery chain founded by Jim’s parents. But his influence eventually reached well beyond the family business, including major contributions to William & Mary and numerous initiatives aimed at strengthening Richmond.
Jim Ukrop’s Cause of Death
A specific cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Local reporting said Ukrop’s health had been declining for some time and that his death was not unexpected. No current authoritative report reviewed for this obituary identifies a particular illness or medical condition as the cause of death.
His family, friends and colleagues have instead focused publicly on his life, community involvement and the legacy he leaves behind.
Who Was Jim Ukrop?
James E. Ukrop was born into the Richmond grocery business and became one of the principal figures responsible for its growth.
His parents, Joseph and Jacquelin Ukrop, opened the family’s first grocery store on Hull Street in 1937. Jim joined the business after graduating from William & Mary in 1960, eventually working alongside his younger brother, Robert “Bobby” Ukrop.
Under the brothers’ leadership, Ukrop’s Super Markets expanded from its original location into a major regional grocery chain.
Jim became president of the company in 1974 and later served as chairman. At its height, the business had dozens of stores and thousands of employees across the Richmond region. The family ultimately sold its supermarket operation in 2010.
Jim Ukrop at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | James E. “Jim” Ukrop |
| Age at death | 89 |
| Died | September 25, 2026 |
| Place of death | Richmond, Virginia |
| Education | William & Mary |
| Primary career | Businessman, entrepreneur and civic leader |
| Best known for | Leadership of Ukrop’s Super Markets |
| Later venture | New Richmond Ventures |
| Wife | Barbara “Bobbie” Berkeley Ukrop |
| Children | Scott Ukrop and Joseph Edward “Ted” Ukrop |
| Grandchildren | Five |
| Great-grandchildren | Three |
From Family Grocery Store to Richmond Institution
Jim Ukrop played a central role in turning his family’s small grocery operation into a recognizable Richmond institution.
After completing his studies at William & Mary, he returned to the family company rather than pursuing a separate career with another grocery chain. In 1963, he opened a second Ukrop’s store, beginning a period of significant expansion.
Jim and Bobby eventually became the public faces of a company known for its emphasis on customer service and community involvement.
Ukrop’s also became known for practices that distinguished it from many competitors, including closing its stores on Sundays and not selling alcohol. The company developed a strong reputation among Richmond shoppers and became deeply woven into the identity of the region.
Jim Ukrop’s Career After Ukrop’s
The sale of the supermarket business did not mark the end of Ukrop’s involvement in Richmond’s economic life.
He later co-founded New Richmond Ventures, an investment firm focused on supporting emerging companies and entrepreneurs.
Through that work, Ukrop continued his interest in helping businesses develop while encouraging economic activity in the Richmond area.
His approach to business was closely connected to his broader belief that a stronger local community ultimately benefited everyone who lived and worked there.
His Deep Connection to William & Mary
William & Mary played an especially important role in Ukrop’s life.
A graduate of the Class of 1960, he remained closely connected to the university for more than six decades. It was also where he met his wife, Barbara “Bobbie” Berkeley Ukrop, who graduated the following year.
Ukrop served in several leadership roles at the university, including service on the Board of Visitors and the William & Mary Foundation Board.
He and Bobbie also supported numerous university initiatives, including athletics, scholarships, humanities and leadership programs.
Among the initiatives associated with their philanthropy are the Ukrop Football Scholarship, Ukrop Humanities Endowment, Ukrop Teachers Scholarship and Ukrop Leadership Initiatives fund.
William & Mary also named Ukrop Way in recognition of the family’s longstanding relationship with the institution.
Following his death, William & Mary President Katherine A. Rowe described Ukrop as a lifelong innovator and emphasized his longstanding commitment to the university and the broader community.
A Major Figure in Richmond Civic Life
Ukrop’s influence was not limited to business and higher education.
He was involved in efforts connected to Richmond’s downtown revitalization, arts organizations, public education and entrepreneurship.
He helped with the formation of Richmond Renaissance, supported the development of the Richmond Folk Festival, and served as a founding director of the Richmond Performing Arts Alliance, which helped raise funds for what became the Dominion Energy Center for the Performing Arts.
He also supported Richmond Public Schools and initiatives focused on recruiting and retaining talented teachers.
Richmond Mayor Danny Avula said after Ukrop’s death that the city had lost an important leader whose influence extended across education, community development and civic life.
Family and Survivors
According to William & Mary, Jim Ukrop is survived by his wife of more than six decades, Barbara “Bobbie” Berkeley Ukrop; his brother, Robert “Bobby” Ukrop; his sons, Scott Ukrop and Joseph Edward “Ted” Ukrop and their wives; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
His family has also been closely associated with the Richmond business community for generations.
Remembering Jim Ukrop
Those who worked with Ukrop have described a man who combined business interests with an unusually strong commitment to Richmond.
Former Venture Richmond leader Jack Berry said Ukrop was deeply involved in community initiatives rather than limiting his support to financial contributions. Other colleagues and family members have similarly highlighted his willingness to invest his time, ideas and personal relationships in projects he believed could benefit the region.
His legacy can be seen in several parts of Richmond, from the grocery business that made the Ukrop name widely known to educational programs, entrepreneurial investments, cultural institutions and community initiatives.
For William & Mary, his passing represents the loss of a longtime alumnus and supporter whose relationship with the university lasted more than 60 years.
Funeral and Memorial Arrangements
Funeral and memorial arrangements for Jim Ukrop have not yet been publicly announced.
Additional information may be released by his family or representatives as arrangements are finalized.
Jim Ukrop Obituary: A Life Connected to Richmond
Jim Ukrop’s life was closely intertwined with the development of modern Richmond.
He helped grow a family grocery store into a regional business, later invested in entrepreneurs and remained active in efforts involving education, arts, civic development and his alma mater.
His death at 89 leaves behind a large family, generations of employees and customers, and a Richmond community that remembers his decades of involvement.
While a specific cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, his professional and civic legacy is already being remembered across Virginia.
Jim Ukrop will be remembered not simply for the company that carried his family’s name, but for the many institutions, entrepreneurs, students and community projects that benefited from his time, leadership and philanthropy.
Disclaimer
This obituary is based on current reports from William & Mary, the City of Richmond and established local news organizations. A specific medical cause of Jim Ukrop’s death has not been publicly disclosed in the sources reviewed. Funeral and memorial information may be updated when officially announced.