James Vandergrifft, Former NSB Mayor, Dead At 77

New Smyrna Beach, FL – Flags will fly at half-staff in New Smyrna Beach as the city mourns the passing of its former mayor, James Vandergrifft. The city says Vandergrifft, a 4th generation New Smyrna Beach native, died at the age of 77 on January 30 and is survived by his wife Pam and two sons, Colby and James Adam. Vandergrifft’s tenure with NSB began in 1985 as a Community Redevelopment Agency advisory board member before winning a seat on the City Commission in 1988. Vandergrifft served as Vice Mayor in 1991 and 1995 before winning that mayor’s seat, a position he kept from 1996 through 2007.  During his time as mayor, Vandergrifft oversaw several large projects including the Venetian Bay Planned Unit Development, Marine Discovery Center, and New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex.