James W. Todd
August 7, 1937 ~ February 26, 2021
Of McLean, VA passed away on February 26, 2021 In McLean, VA after a valiant battle with Multiple Myeloma. Born in Washington, DC to H. Louise Rynex Todd and G. Edward Todd, Jim was raised in Arlington, VA. He received a BS from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce and an MBA from UVA’s Darden School of Business. Between attending the two schools at UVA, he served proudly as a U.S. Naval Officer on the Destroyer Escort USS John Willis. After graduating from Darden, Jim worked for the C&P Telephone Co. until 1968 when he began his real estate development career at the Yeonas Company developing residential communities in Northern VA and suburban Maryland. From there he moved to Gulf Reston to market properties in what was then the new town of Reston, VA. He remained in Reston when Mobil Land Development Corp. bought the new town, and he became the president of its Eastern Division. In 1984 Jim became the President & CEO of the company known as Hazel/Peterson in Fairfax, VA where his 25-year tenure helped transform H/P into The Peterson Companies, a nationally acclaimed development company.
Jim was devoted to his wide-spread community. He was a Life Trustee of the Urban Land institute; past president of Northern VA chapter of the National Assoc. of Industrial & Office Parks (NAIOP); past Board member of NoVA Building Industry Association (NVBIA). He served on the Fairfax County Economic Advisory Commission, the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority and the Washington Airports Task Force. Jim also served on the boards of Johns Hopkins University Real Estate Institute, the National Building Museum, University of VA Foundation, McIntire School of Commerce and UVA Darden Graduate Business School.
Throughout his life, Jim volunteered his time and resources to local youth sports as a coach, commissioner, board member and benefactor to McLean Little League, McLean Youth and Babe Ruth Baseball. He often said some of his favorite days were spent coaching his children’s baseball and softball teams, and he continued to support the McLean Little League beyond his coaching days.
Above all else, Jim loved his family. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Sharon, his son Chris (Denise) and his daughter Kimberley from his previous marriage, two stepsons Steve Stratton (Sara) and Jeff Stratton (Nancy), and seven grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 10:30 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1205 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean, Va. Visitation will be held beginning at 9:30 AM. If attending, register at http://www.umtrinity.org/health. Interment will be private at Quantico National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, gifts made in memory of Jim Todd will support the UVA Real Estate Institute Fund at the McIntire School of Commerce Foundation. Gifts may be made online (www.commerce.virginia.edu/give), or checks payable to the McIntire School Foundation can be mailed to PO Box 400173, Charlottesville, VA. 22904-4173. Please indicate your gift is in memory of Jim Todd.
Jim was devoted to his wide-spread community. He was a Life Trustee of the Urban Land institute; past president of Northern VA chapter of the National Assoc. of Industrial & Office Parks (NAIOP); past Board member of NoVA Building Industry Association (NVBIA). He served on the Fairfax County Economic Advisory Commission, the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority and the Washington Airports Task Force. Jim also served on the boards of Johns Hopkins University Real Estate Institute, the National Building Museum, University of VA Foundation, McIntire School of Commerce and UVA Darden Graduate Business School.
Throughout his life, Jim volunteered his time and resources to local youth sports as a coach, commissioner, board member and benefactor to McLean Little League, McLean Youth and Babe Ruth Baseball. He often said some of his favorite days were spent coaching his children’s baseball and softball teams, and he continued to support the McLean Little League beyond his coaching days.
Above all else, Jim loved his family. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Sharon, his son Chris (Denise) and his daughter Kimberley from his previous marriage, two stepsons Steve Stratton (Sara) and Jeff Stratton (Nancy), and seven grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 10:30 AM at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1205 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean, Va. Visitation will be held beginning at 9:30 AM. If attending, register at http://www.umtrinity.org/health. Interment will be private at Quantico National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, gifts made in memory of Jim Todd will support the UVA Real Estate Institute Fund at the McIntire School of Commerce Foundation. Gifts may be made online (www.commerce.virginia.edu/give), or checks payable to the McIntire School Foundation can be mailed to PO Box 400173, Charlottesville, VA. 22904-4173. Please indicate your gift is in memory of Jim Todd.
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So many to list here — remembering his first car(red convertible), taking me sledding at The Washington Golf & C.C., his infectious laugh, his love for my mom and dad and sharing his thoughts and opinions about life. Incredible family man !! Incredible business man !! Eddy B. Rynex, Jr. (First Cousin)
A true gentleman and an admired and respected real estate professional ! Jim’s legacy of service will be long remembered! I had the privilege of serving with him on several Boards and his contributions were many ! Gary Garczynski
I knew Jim from his days at C & P Tele plus family trips- – a fine friend for sure !! CHGray
Jim was a first class real estate professional i had the priveledge to do business with .Hecwill be missed!
My wife and I were saddened to learn of Mr. Todd’s passing. For me personally, Mr. Todd was a mentor and role model. I am reminded of how he used to walk through the work space, stopping by desks to check on how employees themselves were doing as opposed to checking on work progress. He was truly a caring and decent man. He made this world a better place. It is my pleasure and privilege to have known him. May he rest in peace. With deepest sympathy, Richard and Bernie Doyle
Jim, It was working with exceptional leaders like you that made this Maryland boy’s career developing in Northern VA so memorable, enjoyable, and successful. From your easy going yet confident demeanor to your knowing when to go full bore to either make something good happen or stop something bad from happening, you understood your community better than most and knew what it took to make it thrive. And thrive it did. It was quite a learning experience to be in the presence of Til, Sid, Milt, Dwight, John Toups, you, and many others who were determined to make Northern VA the most dynamic force in the Greater Washington region over the past 35 years. Thank you for being there at such a time and making it so rewarding for all involved. Bob Buchanan
My deepest condolences. I am honored to remember one of the best people I have ever met. When I was director of the Johns Hopkins University Real Estate Institute Jim served on the advisory board . He was board chairman for a term. I’ll always remember the professional insight and support he provided to the school, the program, and to me. Mike Anikeeff
Our thoughts are with the Todd Family during this sad and difficult time. Jim was such a wise and kind gentleman. We certainly will miss him in Rehoboth Beach. Bob and Debbie Reed
I am heartbroken to have just learned of Jim’s passing. Jim was a special person, a man of kindness, generosity of spirit, who lifted up people, programs and communities wherever he went. He demonstrated dedication, integrity, intellectual curiosity, joy in living. I will be forever grateful for having walked part of the road of life with Jim and Sharon.