TITLE
Title
RESOLUTION HONORING THE LEGACY OF EDWARD SAMUEL "JIM" MELVIN, FORMER MAYOR OF THE CITY OF GREENSBORO
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Chairman Skip Alston
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RESOLUTION
Resolution
RESOLUTION HONORING THE LEGACY OF EDWARD SAMUEL “JIM” MELVIN, FORMER MAYOR OF THE CITY OF GREENSBORO
WHEREAS, Edward Samuel “Jim” Melvin passed away on Sunday, August 10, 2025, and is remembered as a stalwart in Greensboro’s legacy; and
WHEREAS, Jim Melvin graduated from Greensboro Senior High School, now Grimsley High School, and matriculated to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a business degree; and
WHEREAS, Jim Melvin worked in the banking industry, initially starting his first job at North Carolina National Bank (NCNB), then Wells Fargo, and later retiring from Central Carolina Bank after four decades of service; and
WHEREAS, he served with distinction as Mayor of the City of Greensboro from 1971 to 1981, becoming the longest-serving mayor in the city’s history, and the first-ever mayor to enter office by popular election in Greensboro; and
WHEREAS, during his two decades of service, Jim Melvin was a steadfast champion for economic development, job creation, and civic innovation, guiding Greensboro through periods of transformative growth; and
WHEREAS, Jim Melvin’s visionary leadership helped position Greensboro as a regional hub for business, culture, and higher education, forging strong partnerships between the public and private sectors; and
WHEREAS, his tenure was marked by an unwavering commitment to fostering opportunity, expanding infrastructure, and enhancing the quality of life for all Greensboro residents; and
WHEREAS, Jim Melvin was known for his ability to bring people together, transcending political differences to focus on the common good of the community he loved; and
WHEREAS, following his time in elected office, Jim Melvin continued his lifelong dedication to service, notably through his leadership as chairman and CEO of the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation, and as chair of the Greensboro Sports Foundation. He championed philanthropic initiatives that strengthened Greensboro’s cultural, educational, and economic vitality through the creation of the Bryan Park Golf Club and the development of the Bryan Park Soccer Complex; and
WHEREAS, his pivotal involvement with the Greater Greensboro Open, now the Wyndham Championship, along with expanding athletes’ footprints and supporting Greensboro’s sports landscape, helped strengthen the city’s recognition as “Tournament Town”; and
WHEREAS, a lifelong member of West Market Street United Methodist Church, his civic activities also included serving as president of the Greensboro Jaycees in 1965, creating Action Greensboro in 2001, establishing First Horizon Park in 2004, forming the Piedmont Triad Partnership, and transforming regional economic development through the Greensboro-Randolph Megasite project; and
WHEREAS, his legacy endures as we fondly remember him as “Mr. Greensboro” through the countless lives he touched, the institutions he strengthened, and the enduring spirit of collaboration and progress he instilled in Greensboro; and
WHEREAS, Jim Melvin’s dedication to the city of Greensboro did not outweigh his love for his wife, Susan, their sons Jimbo and Taylor, and close family and friends, to whom he shared his spirit of integrity and passion for community building in education, sports, and the arts.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Guilford County Board of Commissioners hereby honors and celebrates the extraordinary legacy of Edward Samuel “Jim” Melvin, recognizing him as a historic figure whose transformative efforts reshaped Greensboro, along with his enduring contributions to the life of the city, and extends its sincere condolences to his family in his passing; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be entered into the official records as a permanent tribute to Edward Samuel “Jim” Melvin’s remarkable leadership, service, and devotion to Greensboro and its people.
PRESENTED this 4th day of September, 2025.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and cause the corporate seal of the County of Guilford to be affixed, this the 4th day of September 2025.
Melvin “Skip” Alston, Chairman
Guilford County Board of Commissioners
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Receive the resolution honoring the legacy of the Former City of Greensboro Mayor, Edward Samuel "Jim" Melvin.
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