MACCLENNY, Fla. – Family, coworkers, and community leaders gathered Friday to honor the life of Baker County Commissioner and Jacksonville Port Authority Chief Operating Officer James Bennett, who was killed in a crash earlier this week.
Bennett, 58, was killed Monday in a crash on Interstate 10.
Friday was a deeply emotional day in Baker County as people from across Northeast Florida came together to remember Bennett.
During the service, a slideshow showed photos of him — giving a glimpse of his life not only as COO or former commissioner, but a man who had a family and friends who loved him.
The slideshow included photos of him fishing, photos of when he was younger and was a part of the band, Christmas photos, as well as photos of him and his wife with their children.
More than 50 bouquets surrounded his casket, and inside his casket was a Spider-Man action figure.
JaxPort officials and Baker County leaders say he was not only respected but genuinely loved by the people who worked with him and knew him personally.
“Jimmy enjoyed spending time outdoors, boating down intercostal waterways, traveling internationally, traveling to Ocean Park, camping and riding his ATV. Jimmy also loved to dance, a joyful trait he learned from his father. Jimmy lived life to the fullest. He always trusted in his lord and savior,” one of the service’s attendees said.
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Bennett was killed Monday morning when investigators say a 16-year-old from Glen St. Mary, who was driving a red F-150 eastbound on I-10, slammed into the back of Bennett’s white Lexus sedan, which was slowing for traffic congestion.
The impact sent the pick-up truck flipping, and it landed on its right side, partly across the outside shoulder, the report said.
Troopers said the Lexus was sent careening into the inside guardrail, and the impact spun the car around.
Bennett died at the scene.
READ: James Bennett obituary
As COO, Bennett guided major growth at the port — including the deepening of the harbor and new cargo-handling capabilities. Colleagues say his vision and steady leadership helped shape JaxPort into what it is today.
Friends who knew him personally say his faith and love for his family guided everything he did.
“On Sunday, I shook his hand and asked him about his Thanksgiving weekend. He went to the Panhandle to be with family, and we just laughed about his trip and the people that he went to see out there.”
Bennett leaves behind a wife of 33 years and three children.
“Commissioner Bennett served our county with integrity and heartfelt commitment. We are grateful for his years of service,” Sheriff Scotty Rhoden wrote in a social media post.
Family members told News4JAX they’re grateful for the outpouring of support as they navigate this sudden loss.