Former Greensboro Mayor Jim Melvin Dies, Leaves Lasting Civic Legacy

Jim Melvin, former mayor of Greensboro, North Carolina, passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind a lasting legacy that shaped the city across multiple sectors. Serving as mayor from 1971 to 1981, Melvin was instrumental in transformative projects such as envisioning the Greensboro-Randolph Megasite, home to a major Toyota battery plant, and championing the construction of the downtown baseball stadium for the Greensboro Grasshoppers, which features a statue honoring him. As president of the Joseph M. Bryan Foundation, he helped raise significant funds for community development including the Elon Law School, improvements to the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, and the creation of Center City Park and Bryan Park sports complexes. Melvin was also a dedicated advocate for sports, fostering youth involvement and securing major events like the Wyndham Championship golf tournament. His commitment extended beyond politics into philanthropy and community service, embodying a vision centered on economic vitality, urban revitalization, and uniting the community through sports and civic projects. Greensboro leaders and organizations remember him as a visionary leader and champion whose contributions are evident throughout the city and will benefit generations to come.