JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Port Authority Chief Operating Officer James Bennett died Monday morning in a car crash, JaxPort confirmed to News4JAX.
In a statement, JaxPort spokesperson Chelsea Kavanagh wrote that the organization’s employees and leadership are deeply saddened by Bennett’s unexpected passing.
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“James dedicated his life to improving the quality of life for people in Northeast Florida, and our entire community is better for his service,” Kavanagh wrote.
Bennett oversaw JaxPort’s two largest departments—Operations and Engineering—and as a member of the leadership team was the liaison for many of the port’s partners. He had worked for JaxPort since 2017 and became COO in 2022.
Details of the crash have not yet been confirmed.
“James brought extraordinary dedication, skill, and heart to everything he did. His work ethic was unmatched, and his commitment to our mission elevated everyone around him,” Kavanagh wrote. “He loved his work and the people he worked alongside, and in turn, we were all made better by working with him.”
According to News4JAX news partner, the Jacksonville Daily Record, Bennett oversaw JaxPort’s capital growth program and the expansion of Blount Island’s container and auto-handling capabilities.
Bennett joined JaxPort as its senior director of engineering and construction. In that role, he was responsible for the completion of JaxPort’s 47-foot harbor deepening project, $100 million berth modernization project, and renovations to the JaxPort Cruise Terminal, JDR reported.
“Beyond his professional accomplishments, James was an exceptional human being whose spirit filled every room he entered. His loss will be felt deeply across our organization,” Kavanagh wrote. “We are forever grateful for his leadership, his friendship, and his service to our port and to Northeast Florida.”
Before JaxPort, Bennett spent more than 20 years with the Florida Department of Transportation, where he served as planning manager for District Two, encompassing 18 counties throughout North Florida, according to JDR.
Bennett has also been a Baker County Commissioner since 2011, and the commission shared a social media post on Monday, mourning is passing.
“Our community has lost a dedicated public servant, a cherished colleague, and a well-respected leader,” the post read. “Commissioner Bennett’s impact on Baker County was immeasurable. His integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to this community will forever remain a part of our county’s history. We are grateful for his years of service and for the steady sense of responsibility and service he demonstrated throughout his time in office.”