The Harrisonburg community is remembering Bob Golson, a longtime James Madison University leader and mentor whose years of service touched the lives of students, colleagues, and members of the wider community.
For more than two decades, Golson was part of the James Madison University University Recreation Center, beginning in Intramural Sports and eventually serving as Associate Director for Facilities and Operations. During his career, he was recognized for his commitment to mentorship, service and putting the university community first.
JMU’s recognition of Golson highlighted the many students, sports officials, operations supervisors and professional staff members he mentored throughout his career. He was also involved in university committees and initiatives, served as an adjunct faculty member in the Kinesiology Department, and contributed to the Madison Collaborative and other areas of campus life.
His involvement extended beyond the university. Golson was active in the Harrisonburg Lions Club, reflecting a broader commitment to community service and helping others. JMU described him as someone who consistently encouraged those around him to exceed their own expectations and who sought to model a life centered on empathy, determination, and service.
For the people who knew Bob, his legacy is found not simply in the positions he held, but in the relationships he built along the way.
A career spent mentoring others can leave an impact that continues long after the work itself is finished. The lessons shared, encouragement offered, and lives touched become part of a legacy that cannot easily be measured.
At this time, I could not independently verify a current obituary, the circumstances of Bob Golson’s reported death, or a cause of death from reliable public sources. Those details should not be stated as fact until confirmed by his family, a funeral home, James Madison University, or another authoritative source.
What can be documented is a remarkable record of service and a reputation for caring deeply about the people around him.
Bob Golson’s contributions to James Madison University and the Harrisonburg community remain part of the story of the many people he mentored and supported. His work, guidance and commitment to others are a meaningful part of the legacy associated with his name.
