HAMPTON, Va. — Jimmy Eason, the former mayor of Hampton who provided more than 30 years of public service to the city, has died.
He served as mayor from July 1, 1982, to May 18, 1998, and as the city's economic development director from 2004 to 2012.
Before his time as mayor, Eason graduated from Hampton High School and the University of North Carolina. He also served on the Hampton City Council from 1978 to 1982.
In 2020, Eason was named a "Hampton Hero," a recognition for those who have worked for civil rights and social justice in the city.
"In his 16 years as mayor, Eason supported numerous development projects and actively pushed for diversity throughout the city," the recognition read. "He was instrumental in establishing the Healthy Families Initiative to promote early childhood education for all and, during his tenure as mayor, the first African-American to serve as city manager was appointed.
In a statement sent to 13News Now, Hampton City Manager Mary Bunting praised Eason for the work he did to enhance the community.
"From the physical improvements to his impact on people, myself included, his legacy lives on," Bunting wrote. "He loved Hampton, and we loved him."
