James "Jim" Winton Eaton
Dr. James (“Jim”) Winton Eaton, age 78 of Rockingham, VA, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on January 24, 2026.
Jim was born on October 11, 1947, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the son of the late Elmer and Mary Eaton. After the death of his parents, he moved to Fort Worth, TX, where he lived with his older brother and his family. He maintained a close relationship with this family through the years.
He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas and his PhD in Economics from the University of Missouri. He was an Economics professor for 37 years, the last 27 years at Bridgewater College, before his retirement in 2012. A few highlights of his academic career included having his dissertation selected as one of the top three in the nation on Economic History in 1982, teaching a semester in China during the spring of 1989, mentoring numerous international students, and teaching the Economics of Baseball course he helped to create.
Jim was a longtime member of the Bridgewater Rotary Club and served in several positions
at St. James United Methodist Church in Pleasant Valley over the years.
While at the University of Arkansas, Jim met the love of his life, Mary Widdowfield. They were married on May 29, 1969. During their 56 years of marriage, they built a life rich in love, meaning, kindness, and devotion to others.
In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his children Amanda (and Matt) Keller, Elizabeth (and Sam) Herr, and Matthew Eaton; six grandchildren Cyrus Eaton, Madelyn Herr, Esther Eaton, Abigail Sheppard (fiancé Courtland Wilt), Charlie Herr, and Royce Keller; as well as numerous extended family members.
His children and grandchildren were an immense source of pride and joy to Jim, and he shared with them his love of family, history, music, baseball, reading, travel, and dad jokes. He and Mary enjoyed multiple trips to Europe, several wonderful family trips, and meaningful trips with each of his three children. Throughout his life, Jim took an active role in the lives of his children and grandchildren, always helping them discover and develop their passions. They could count on him attending their school programs, activities, and cheering them on during their various sporting events.
To all the world he was just one person, but to his family he was their world.
In addition to his parents and in-laws, he was preceded in death by his three siblings.
A memorial service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at 3 PM on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at St. James United Methodist Church in Pleasant Valley, VA.
In honor of his dedication to education and his love of travel, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Teaching & Learning Fund at Bridgewater College, PO Box 33, Bridgewater, VA 22812.
