James Tyler Eyre

James Tyler "Jim" Eyre, age 82, passed away on August 30, 2025, at his home in Mt. Pleasant, SC, surrounded by family. Mr. Eyre was born in Phoebus (Hampton), Virginia, on July 1, 1943, to the late Captain Lloyd Eyre and the late Isabella Gilmour Eyre while Captain Eyre was away flying supply routes for the Army in the African theater of WWII. Mr. Eyre was preceded in death by both his parents and his only brother, William Daniel Eyre. Mr. Eyre graduated from Hampton High School and then served as a First Lieutenant (Intelligence) in the Army during the Vietnam War, leading a squad. When he returned from Vietnam, Mr. Eyre earned an Associate's degree at Thomas Nelson Community College. Mr. Eyre then attended Christopher Newport University and played for the CNU Tennis Team. He graduated from CNU in 1975. Both tennis and Christopher Newport University continued to be important as he eventually served as President of the Alumni Society, then served on both the University Board and Athletics Board over the years. Christopher Newport University recognized Mr. Eyre's many years of service by dedicating the new tennis center in his name: The James T. and Sarah C. Eyre Tennis Center. Mr. Eyre graduated from CNU with a business degree and worked for several companies in Richmond, VA, before becoming CFO of VBS, Inc. until his retirement. A love of the water and boating also characterized Mr. Eyre's life, and he and his wife happily retired to the Isle of Palms, SC, in 2007, to continue to enjoy boating and playing tennis with friends. Mr. Eyre is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sarah Cross Eyre; two daughters: Kathleen Eyre Swenson, currently residing in Asia, and Sally Eyre Rock of Mt. Pleasant, SC; two sons-in-law: Dr. Jim Swenson and Jamey Rock; and five grandchildren: Caleb, Annabelle, Judah, Eliza Rose Swenson, and Sutton Rock. The family plans to hold a celebration of life service in Virginia early in the New Year. To send a flower arrangement in memory of James Tyler Eyre, please click here to visit our sympathy store.