Former Greensboro mayor Jim Melvin dead at 91
from FOX 8 News…www.myfox8.com
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — Former Greensboro mayor Jim Melvin has died at the age of 91, the Greensboro Sports Foundation announced on Sunday.
Melvin was the first-ever mayor to enter office by popular election in Greensboro, according to Visit Greensboro. He first took office in 1971 when the city council selected him.
Melvin still maintained a large presence in Greensboro even after leaving office. He served as chairman of the Greensboro Sports Foundation, working as an advocate for athletics in the city.
The Greensboro City Hall: Melvin Municipal Office Building is also named in his honor.
The Greensboro Sports Foundation released the following statement:
The Greensboro Sports Foundation mourns the passing of our Chairman, Edwin Samuel “Jim” Melvin, whose vision, leadership, and unwavering dedication helped shape the very fabric of Greensboro. Jim was more than a leader — he was a champion for our city, for sports, and for the people who call Greensboro home.
As former Mayor of Greensboro, Jim played a pivotal role in driving economic growth, attracting new business, and fostering a vibrant, welcoming community. His ability to unite public and private partners created lasting opportunities for our city’s residents.
In the world of sports, Jim’s impact is unmatched. He understood the power of sports to inspire pride, bring people together, and fuel economic vitality. His vision was instrumental in the creation and development of Bryan Park Golf Club and the Bryan Park Soccer Complex — premier facilities that have drawn national events, boosted tourism, and strengthened Greensboro’s reputation as “Tournament Town.” His passion for golf and community connection was also evident in his decades-long involvement with the Greater Greensboro Open, a tradition he championed and continued to support through its evolution into today’s Wyndham Championship. From recruiting major sporting events to supporting local athletes and venues, Jim’s influence can be seen in every corner of Greensboro’s sports landscape.
Jim’s leadership, generosity, and vision leave a legacy that will endure for generations. The Greensboro Sports Foundation extends our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to work alongside him. His passion for Greensboro and his belief in what our city could achieve will continue to inspire us every day.
GREENSBORO SPORTS FOUNDATION
**********from GreensboroSports.com: Jim Melvin was insturmental in helping to get backing and funding together for the building of the downtown baseball stadium, where the Greensboro Grasshoppers now play…Jim Melvin was a patner-owner of the team at one time, and helped motivate other team owners into making the move to pursue the creation of what is now, First National Bank Field….**********
Greensboro mayor Nancy Vaughan released the following statement:
Today, Greensboro lost its greatest champion. Former Mayor E.S. “Jim” Melvin— known to many as “Mr. Greensboro.” He dedicated his life to shaping the city we love.
Mr. Melvin served as Mayor from 1971 to 1981, leading with vision, dedication, and a deep belief in Greensboro’s potential. At all times, he was driven by a desire to make Greensboro the best it could be— planning carefully for future growth and working to ensure our residents had access to well-paying jobs.
His service to the City didn’t end when he left public office. As president of the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation, Jim pursued bold, transformative projects that will continue to shape our future for decades. Chief among them was his early, unwavering vision for bringing the Toyota Battery Manufacturing NC to our region.
Years before it became a reality, Jim recognized the site’s potential to create thousands of good-paying jobs, attract significant investment, and transform the economic future of Greensboro and the surrounding area.
Jim’s work touched every corner of Greensboro— from education and the arts to sports and economic development. Many of our city’s greatest achievements carry his fingerprints and reflect his belief that Greensboro could compete— and win— on the national stage.
Jim Melvin will be remembered not only for what he built, but for the way he built it— with respect, generosity, and an unshakable dedication to this community. His legacy is etched into the very fabric of Greensboro, and his example will continue to inspire us to think big, work together, and always put our city first.
Our deepest sympathy and appreciation go out to his family— his beloved wife Susan; his sons, Jimbo and Taylor; and their families— for sharing him with the City of Greensboro.
NANCY VAUGHAN