12/12/2025
Today, we remember commissioner Bennett and honor his legacy of dedicated service to Baker County.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those who were fortunate to know him.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23
Bennett – James “Jimmy” Gail Bennett, age 58, of Macclenny, Florida passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025. Jimmy was born in Macclenny, Florida on November 23, 1967, to his loving parents, Benny Joe Bennett and late Donna Hart Bennett. James was a lifelong resident of Baker County. He graduated from Baker County High School in 1985 and furthered his education at Lake City Community College and University of Florida where he proudly earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 1991. Jimmy was very successful professionally. He was exceptionally dedicated to his profession, beginning his career with the State of Florida’s Department of Transportation in Lake City, where he served for 20 years. He later joined RS&H Engineering, a private consulting firm in Jacksonville. In 2017, Jimmy joined the Jacksonville Port Authority, where his leadership, integrity, and expertise quickly became evident. In 2022, he was appointed Chief Operating Officer, a role in which he proudly and faithfully served until his passing. Throughout his distinguished career, Jimmy received many awards and accolades that honored his contributions to transportation, civil engineering, and his public service. Jimmy also served diligently within his community, where his impact remains immeasurable. In 2014, he was elected as the District 4 County Commissioner for the Baker County Board of Commissioners. His dedication over the past 12 years has brought meaningful and lasting contributions to the county he loved. Jimmy was a man of deep faith, depending daily on his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was a longtime member of Macclenny Primitive Baptist Church and found great joy in serving through the music ministry, faithfully leading the congregation in worship. Jimmy was most proud of his family and grateful for his role as a husband and father. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Kimberly Thornton, whom he met while working his first job at Winn-Dixie. They were lovingly married on July 25, 1992, and he was delighted to be blessed with two amazing children. Jimmy enjoyed spending time outdoors; boating down the intracoastal waterways, traveling Internationally, tubing at Ocean Pond, camping, and riding his ATV. Jimmy also loved to dance, a joyful trait he learned from his father. Jimmy lived life to the fullest, cherished every moment spent with family and friends, always trusting in his Lord and Savior. He leaves behind a legacy that will forever be remembered. Jimmy was preceded in death by his mother, Donna Hart Bennett; brother, Wesley Bennett; maternal grandparents, Gale and Leona Hart; and paternal grandparents, James Bennett and Lula Bennett. Lula lovingly raised Jimmy as her own and considered him a son.
Jimmy is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Kimberly Bennett of Macclenny, FL; children, Colton Bennett and Cloey Bennett both of Macclenny, FL; father, Benny Joe (Patricia) Bennett; brothers, Joe (Tonya) Bennett and Lex (Pam) Bennett; sisters, Susan (Keith) Woodruff and Monica (Tyler) Page; aunts, Verna Crews who Jimmy considered a second mom and June Brescia; 29 nieces and nephews; along with many extended family members and friends.
A Celebration of Jimmy’s Life will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 11:00 am at Christian Fellowship Temple with Elder Michael Green officiating. Interment will follow at North Prong Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at the church. The arrangements are under the care and direction of V. TODD FERREIRA FUNERAL SERVICES, 250 North Lowder Street, Macclenny, FL 32063 (904) 259-5700. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com to sign the family’s guest book.
