Though James M. Eaves wasn't a native of Sumter, he still made a lasting impact in the area.
Eaves, who was born in Chattanooga, Tenn., died Saturday at age 91 at a local nursing facility. Eaves, known as "Jim," was involved in different things throughout his lifetime, including serving 20 years as the general manager of the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce. The chamber received numerous awards and commendations during his tenure.
Phil Ballinger, 87, was chief executive officer of the Sumter Development Board and chamber for 20 years. Eaves worked under Ballinger at the chamber.
"Jim and I worked together for many years at the chamber of commerce," Ballinger said. "I can accurately say no one loved Sumter and the chamber with the deeper devotion and love than Jim. He was also devoted to the community, and my friend will certainly be missed."
Chamber President Grier Blackwelder took over as general manager in 1984, when Eaves retired. Blackwelder said Eaves helped him make a smooth transition into his new position.
"I got to know Jim quite well when I moved here from North Carolina, and I was hired to replace him when he retired," Blackwelder said. "He was very instrumental in helping me get situated at the chamber, learning about the chamber and adjusting to Sumter. He taught me about the business community. The biggest thing he instilled in me is that we were here to serve the business community, and that we had great support from the business community. Jim was exactly right about that philosophy. Jim was great for the chamber and the business community."
Eaves also served from 1960 to 1984 as secretary of the Sumter Merchants Association, which Blackwelder said was an affiliate of the chamber. The association had a board of directors and retail merchants who came together to plan events pertaining to retail commercial.
"Jim loved being involved in the merchants association, and that was back in the days when we didn't have big box stores," Blackwelder said. "He helped retailers get involved in planning downtown events and doing sales pertaining to holidays."
Rick Hines, 68, owner of Hines Furniture, served a year as president of the merchants association and as the chamber's vice president of community development. Hines said he worked with Eaves in some capacity for 25 years.
"Jim was one of the finest individuals that I got the pleasure to know," Hines said. "Jim got me involved in the merchants association and the chamber. Jim ran the day-to-day operations of both the merchants association and the chamber. He was an asset to both because of his organization and consummate attention to detail. The chamber made great strives while he was there. To deal with Jim was dealing with a consummate professional in every regard."
Eaves served in the U.S. Navy from 1939 to 1959 and spent his final 10 years in the U.S. Navy Reserve.
Blackwelder explained that another accomplishment of Eaves was establishing a connection with Shaw Air Force Base.
"He was instrumental in helping build relationships with Shaw," Blackwelder said. "Jim had been in the military, and he felt a need to get enlisted personnel involved in the community, especially the business community. He helped start the Shaw/Sumter Public Relations Council in the 1960s, which addressed issues pertinent to continuous improvement of relations between the Shaw/Sumter community."
Hines added: "He had a patriotic spirit, and his military background carried over to his obligations in his civilian life. It is just not enough words to describe what he has done for the community of Sumter."
Blackwelder said Eaves loved being around people.
"He had a great sense of humor, and Jim had a lot of friends," Blackwelder said. "He could talk to people at all levels and segments of the community," Blackwelder said. "He was very well-known and well-respected."
Eaves was a special staff assistant for the following projects in his career: 1962 civic bond issue, procurement and establishment of the new South Sumter Industrial Park, Initial Contact Committee for the Procurement of Campbell Soup Co. and Exide Battery, Initial Planning Committees for the Establishment of the United States Post Office building on North Main Street, the Downtown Sumter Improvement Association and the Sumter County Historical Foundation, which restored the old bank building on Main Street.
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