EDA board member and former mayor Jim Eastham passes

James Eastham, circa mayoral days

Former Front Royal mayor and current Economic Development Authority Board member James Eastham has died after a battle with pancreatic cancer.  Eastham passed away Friday, November 17.  According to online posts, Memorial Services will be held Saturday, December 2, at noon at Calvary Episcopal Church in Front Royal.

“Jim will be truly missed by the EDA, he was a very valuable asset to our board and we will never be able to replace him,” EDA Executive Director Jennifer McDonald told Royal Examiner.

Warren County Administrator Doug Stanley pointed to the breadth of service Eastham has offered to his community: “Last Friday, the Front Royal-Warren County community lost a tremendous advocate.  The unofficial historian of Front Royal, Jim Eastham served our community in many capacities. Through his involvement with Town Council, the Front Royal Planning Commission, Rotary, the hospital foundation, Chamber of Commerce, Blue Ridge Arts Council, the Economic Development Authority and countless other organizations, Jim actively shaped our community into what it is today. He truly loved his hometown and passionately embraced the challenges life presented. Jim leaves a proud legacy, and he will be dearly missed.”

Former Town Manager Michael Graham pointed to a special quality of the former mayor: “Jim had the unique ability to pull people with opposite views to work together when most people would give up. He loved this community and dedicated his personal time in making it better. He will be missed but always remembered by many.”

This reporter has covered Eastham since his stint as Front Royal’s mayor from 2004-2008.  I learned of his illness when we were both waiting in the lobby of Heart & Vascular of Winchester in the fall of 2016.  He told me he was battling pancreatic cancer and was there to see how his heart was holding up.  Every time I encountered him over the following year, usually after EDA meetings, I was impressed with the spirit and strength he displayed in fighting that battle.

During that Winchester doctor’s office encounter he told me that he had made two requests of his doctors – two more Christmases with his grandchild and more good days than bad ones in getting there.

I hope they came through on the latter request, Jim; as for the first one – You almost made it and probably got a lot closer than most would have. – God speed.

Jim Eastham acknowledged in August by FR Rotary with the Dr. Bob Miller Community Service Award.  With Eastham are Dr. Miller’s daughter Elaine Stanley, right, and granddaughter Ashley. Courtesy Photo/FR Rotary