James E. "Jim" Ukrop, the longtime leader of Ukrop's Super Markets whose family grocery chain became one of Richmond's most beloved institutions before expanding his influence through banking, venture capital and philanthropy, died Friday night. He was 89.

1937: Joseph and Jacquelin Ukrop open the first Ukrop's Super Market on Hull Street in South Richmond after mortgaging the family farm to finance the store. Also the year James E. "Jim" Ukrop is born.

1960: After graduating from the College of William & Mary with a degree in business administration, Jim Ukrop begins working alongside his father.

1963: Jim persuades his father to open a second Ukrop's store on Midlothian Turnpike in Chesterfield, setting the company on a path of regional growth.

1974: Jim succeeds his father as president and chief executive officer of Ukrop's Super Markets.

1976: Ukrop's purchases Dot's Pastry Shop, laying the foundation for the bakery and prepared foods that would become company hallmarks.

1981: Ukrop's central bakery opens. The company expands its manufacturing operations with a 20,000-square-foot bakery facility.

1986: Ukrop's surpasses Safeway to become the No. 1 supermarket chain in the Richmond market.

1987: The company launches its Golden Gift program, which would ultimately distribute more than $12 million to community nonprofits.

1994: Leadership transition begins. Jim becomes vice chairman while retaining the CEO role. His brother, Bobby Ukrop, is named president and chief operating officer.

1997: Jim helps found First Market Bank, which opens branches inside Ukrop's supermarkets and grows into one of Virginia's largest community banks.

1998: Jim becomes chairman of Ukrop's Super Markets while Bobby assumes the roles of president and CEO.

2000s: Jim chairs the CenterStage Foundation, serves on major corporate and nonprofit boards, and helps recruit teachers to Richmond Public Schools while the Ukrop family expands its philanthropic footprint across central Virginia.

2010: The end of an era. The Ukrop family sells its 25 supermarkets to Martin's Food Markets, ending nearly 75 years in the grocery retail business.

2011: Jim launches New Richmond Ventures, investing in and mentoring startup companies throughout the Richmond region.

2026: Jim Ukrop dies at age 89. His legacy extends far beyond grocery stores through decades of civic leadership, business innovation and philanthropy that helped shape modern Richmond.

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