Willie Brown, former Speaker of the state Assembly, was among more than 120 mourners, many of them current or former elected officials, who gathered in Richmond Friday to eulogize James “Jim” McMillan, a Richmond pharmacist and former city council member known for contributing to the advancement of civil rights for Richmond’s Black community.
McMillan, who died at age 97 on Nov. 28, 2024, founded Richmond’s Black Americans for Political Action Committee and was known as a tireless advocate for justice and equality, fighting against racism and excessive use of force within the Richmond Police Department, leading to significant reforms.
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“Passionate champion of reform.”
— Richmond City Manager Shasa Curl, describing former city leader James “Jim” McMillan at his memorial service
McMillan’s efforts were instrumental in establishing Richmond’s first police commission, to provide crucial oversight and accountability, according to a statement released by Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez.
Former Richmond Mayor Tom Butt remembered McMillan as a gentleman, describing him as “honest, straightforward, always trustworthy.”
