JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Port Authority announced a partnership with the University of North Florida to create a scholarship in honor of Chief Operating Officer James Bennett, who died in a crash on Interstate 10 late last year.
During Tuesday’s City Council meeting, council members honored the life of Bennett, who worked with JaxPort since 2017 and had been on the Baker County Commission since 2011.
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“James was a leader forJaxPort, he was a leader for Baker County, and he was a leader for Northeast Florida and we all appreciate the contributions he made and we all have deep sympathy for his family,” Councilmember Nick Howland said.
Bennett was killed in a crash on Dec. 8 while driving on I-10 eastbound, west of U.S. 301. His Lexus sedan was rear-ended in traffic by an F-150. The impact slammed him into the inside guardrail and spun his car around.
The 16-year-old driver of the pick-up truck suffered minor injuries.
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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 dedicated his life to transportation, improvements that strengthen the region, and improving the quality of life for the people of Northeast Florida,” JaxPort Chief of Staff Beth McCague said.
According to JaxPort, the scholarship will support UNF students pursuing a range of fields, including transportation, logistics, and engineering.
For those who would like to contribute to the scholarship fund to honor Bennett, visit this website.