The community is grieving the unexpected passing of a prominent Baker County figure and longtime Jacksonville Port Authority member.

County Commissioner James Bennett tragically lost his life in a car accident on Monday morning, as reported by the Baker County Sheriff’s Office.

Many people recall James Bennett’s presence at his final commission meeting on December 2, while others cherish their last phone conversations with him.

In conversations with First Coast News, friends expressed their fond memories of a man they describe as an exceptional leader, devoted friend, and truly unique individual.

“The Jimmy Bennetts of the world, they come along once in a lifetime,” said Mark Broughton.

“He was kind, he was great, he was intellectually tough,” said Broughton.

Bennett was a leader to the community, but to Mark Broughton, he was a dear friend. 

“We lost a great commissioner because he helped our community so much, in the way he orchestrated things and legislated things. He’s just such a great leader,” he said.

According to the Baker County Sheriff’s Office, James Bennett died in a car accident on 1-10 early Monday morning.

State troopers say traffic had slowed down on I-10 just west of U.S. 301 when a white Lexus, driven by Bennett, began braking. A red Ford F-150, driven by a 16-year-old, was right behind it in the left lane and couldn’t stop in time — slamming into the back of the Lexus.

That impact sent the pickup rolling, eventually landing on its side across the right lane and the shoulder.

The Lexus was pushed in the opposite direction, veering left off the road and hitting the inside guardrail before spinning to a stop in the left lane.

Troopers are still investigating exactly what caused the chain reaction.

When the news broke, dozens of family members, friends, colleagues and classmates flooded social media, honoring him and showering his family with love.

“They have a great family and this community out here will gather around them and, and love them,” said Broughton.

“He was a very, upright man, Christian man, obviously, family man, just, just an all-around nice guy,” said Greg Gainey, another longtime friend.

“He always called me KOO-MA, which is my nickname, and I always called him Jim Bob,” said Angela O’Berry.

O’Berry and Bennett graduated from Baker County High School in 1985 and their friendship never faded.

With Bennett as the Chief Operating Officer at JAXPORT and O’Berry frequently cruising every year, their paths often crossed.

“He says, KOO-MA, when you get ready to go on a cruise, you gotta come see me. I said, “OK,” O’Berry said. “He always met me in the parking lot and he walked me all the way up as if I can’t go by myself, but we just, you know, took a few minutes out to catch up. but Jimmy was a great person. His personality, his smile, he was just a great person.”

Monday afternoon, both JAXPORT and Baker County Board of Commissioners released statements honoring Bennett’s life and legacy

JAXPORT called Bennett’s passing “deeply saddening”, praising his unmatched work ethic and dedication to Northeast Florida.

Baker County Board of Commissioners described him as a respected leader whose impact was “immeasurable.” They say his integrity and compassion will forever be part of the county’s history.

“He was a dear friend to all that knew him. Jimmy is definitely gonna be missed,” said O’Berry.

James Bennett leaves behind a wife and two children and an extended family and community who loved him.