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In Jacksonville, both community leaders and residents are grieving the loss of Terry Fields, a cherished figure who served as a state representative and a member of the Jacksonville City Council. He is fondly remembered for his dedication to mentorship, his sense of humor, and his unwavering support for those around him.
Fields passed away at 56 after a brief illness, leaving a significant legacy that touched lives from the corridors of city hall to the classrooms of Duval County.
Reflecting on Fields’ profound influence, Jacksonville City Council Member Rahman Johnson recalled meeting him at the age of 13. Over the years, Fields became not only a mentor and close friend but also a pivotal influence in Johnson’s life.
“Terry is unforgettable,” remarked Johnson. “He had an infectious laugh and a deep love for this community. I can still hear him say, ‘It’s a great day in the state of Florida.’ That was his signature phrase. Truly, he was an exceptional person.”
“Terry is unforgettable,” Johnson said. “He loved to laugh. He loved this community. I can hear him right now saying, ‘It’s a great day in the state of Florida.’ That was his thing. He was just a good guy.”
Fields served on the Jacksonville City Council before representing the state’s 14th District in the Florida House of Representatives, where he built a reputation as a leader who worked across political lines.
“I’ve seen him raise funds for people and projects and community,” Johnson said. “I’ve seen him do this masterful work of reaching across the aisle and bridging the divide. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone do it with as much dignity as Terry Fields.”
In recent years, Fields was teaching at Duval Charter School Westside, where he mentored students and helped lead a group focused on uplifting young men. Johnson said Fields was deeply invested in the lives of the students he worked with daily.
“There was a new generation of leaders that were benefiting from his leadership and his experience,” Johnson said. “The kids that he saw every day, they’re hurting right now, and my heart is with them.”
Jacksonville City Council Member Ju’Coby Pittman also shared a tribute on Facebook, calling Fields a dear friend and saying his impact “will live on through the lives he touched and the community he helped shape.”
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan honored Fields in a social media post, writing that the city would be “forever inspired by his efforts to protect workers’ rights, expand healthcare access, and invest in underserved neighborhoods.”
As friends and colleagues continue to reflect on Fields’ influence, Johnson said one of their final conversations now carries even greater meaning.
“He said, ‘I love you, boy,’” Johnson recalled. “I said, ‘I love you too, man.’ It was that simple. That’s a reminder, tell people that you love them, show them that you love them while you can.”
Johnson added that he finds comfort in knowing Fields’ work will continue through those he mentored.
“I know I was loved by my brother who is up there making sure that the work continues here,” he said.
Johnson plans to introduce a resolution at Tuesday night’s Jacksonville City Council meeting to honor Fields’ life and legacy. The Florida House of Representatives will also hold a moment of silence for Fields on Thursday.