The City of Jasper announced Tuesday that Mayor David O’Mary, 72, has died. O’Mary was first elected to the office in 2016 and after a successful first term ran unopposed in 2020.

The Jasper native is being remembered for his tireless advocacy which significantly advanced the city and its residents’ interests, leaving a lasting impact that will be felt for years to come.

“With heavy hearts, the family of David P. O’Mary informed the Jasper City Council, Department Managers, and city employees of the passing of Jasper Mayor David P. O’Mary at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 22, 2024,” a City of Jasper spokesperson said on social media. “Mayor O’Mary loved the City of Jasper, its residents, business community, and employees. He was elected mayor in September 2016 and was unopposed in the 2020 election. During his time as mayor, he led the way for the City of Jasper to achieve the greatest financial strength in its history and perhaps the greatest growth in retail and housing.”

Jasper Chief of Police, J.C. Poe, praised O’Mary’s leadership in a statement.

“We built a relationship on mutual respect and dedication to the citizens of Jasper. The mayor offered his unwavering support to anything that would benefit the people who live and work in this city, leading us through difficult times. Please pray for his family, friends, and employees as we grieve this tremendous loss.”

The statement from the city did not list a cause of death for the mayor.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten