Barbara Jo “BJ” Eidem, 87, passed away peacefully at home December 11, 2021.

BJ was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. She married Jim, a Navy pilot, and lived in many beautiful places before settling in Virginia Beach to raise their three children. She was very involved in Republican politics in the 1970’s and then attended TCC and Virginia Wesleyan, earning a bachelor’s degree in social work. She moved to Anchorage, AK, where she worked, made her fortune, and met and married Gene.  She loved to scuba dive with her children and their spouses in exotic tropical places, making memories to last a lifetime.  She and Gene spent many wonderful years in Alaska and travelling the world before retiring to Florida. After Gene’s passing, she settled back in Virginia Beach near her two daughters and became active in Democratic politics.

She was predeceased by her loving husband Gene, her brother Franklin Carter “Bo” Longmire, her sister Mary Lu Dixon and her remarkable son Jim.  She is survived by her two daughters, Cathy and Amy, daughter-in-law Lauri and five wonderful grandchildren.

A small family celebration of her life will take place this summer in her beloved Florida as her ashes are used to enlarge an artificial reef along the coast.

To honor her, please send donations to Southern Poverty Law Center and do your best every day to combat hate.