Former mayor Jim Eastham receives prestigious Dr. Bob Miller Award

Dr. Miller’s daughter, Elaine Miller (right) and granddaughter, Ashley, pose with Jim Eastham following presentation ceremony. Courtesy Photo/FR Rotary

The Rotary Club of Front Royal presented its coveted “Dr. Robert E. ‘Bob’ Miller Community Service Award” to former Front Royal mayor and past Rotary president James M. “Jim” Eastham on Friday, Aug. 25 during the club’s weekly luncheon.

Eastham was recognized for “a lifetime of involvement in community, civic and charitable organizations.” He was mayor of Front Royal 2004 – 2008. He recently retired after 30 years in banking and financial management.

His wife of 38 years, Denise, attended the brief ceremony conducted by Rotary president Rick Novak and Rotarian Doug Stanley. Also in attendance were Dr. Miller’s daughter, Elaine Miller, and her granddaughter, Ashley.

The Bob Miller award was instituted nine years ago to honor the memory of the local dentist who had practiced in Front Royal for 67 years, and was for 75 years a member of the Rotary Club of Front Royal. It recognized Miller’s dedication to his patients, the community, and his Rotary club.

Eastham was named Citizen of the Year by the Blue Ridge Arts Council and received similar recognition from the Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce. He served on the Economic Development Authority (EDA), the Chamber of Commerce Foundation; the Warren County Memorial Hospital Board; and the Front Royal Planning Commission.

Rotary chooses from not only Rotary membership but the entire community for the annual community service award. Other awardees since 2009 are: Jim Williams, Mary Ann Biggs, John Marlow, Alan Wimer, George McIntyre, John LaBarca, Roy Boyles and Patty Wines.