The community is mourning the sudden loss of a respected Baker County leader and longtime member of the Jacksonville Port Authority.

County Commissioner James Bennett was killed in a car accident Monday morning, according to the Baker County Sheriff’s Office.

Many recall seeing James Bennett speak at his last commission meeting on Dec. 2, while others remember their last phone call with him.

First Coast News spoke with friends who tell say they’re holding on to memories of a man they say was a great leader, loving friend and truly one of a kind.

“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 d

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