Jake Godbold, Jacksonville's outspoken and colorful mayor from 1978 to 1987, has died at the age of 86.
His passing was announced in a statement by current Mayor Lenny Curry:
Jake Godbold’s years of public service in Jacksonville will be remembered for decades to come. I have long admired his love and dedication to our City, specifically his support of our senior citizens.
His work to help expand small business in Jacksonville was only matched by his passion for big projects in downtown. The Skyway, Southbank Riverwalk, Convention Center and numerous other projects and venues are a result of his dedication to help Jacksonville grow and thrive.
I appreciate his support of my pension reform which is important for the future of our city. I’m very saddened to hear of Mayor Godbold’s passing and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Mr. Godbold rose from a poor childhood after being born on the city's Northside, according to The Florida Times-Union, rising to the top of Jacksonville's politics.
He remained active in civic life long after he left the mayor’s office.
Just a few months ago he butted heads with Curry at a City Council public workshop on the now-ended push to sell JEA.
Godbold told City Council members he had the opportunity to sell JEA back in the ‘80s when he was in charge — and didn’t.
“Do your duty and just put a good manager over there—not to tear it apart but to build it and grow it and keep it. I wish all of you and me were loved as much as our JEA,” Godbold said in November.
Mr. Godbold also took out a full-page ad in The Florida Times-Union opposing JEA’s privatization.
At Large Group 4 City Council Matt Carlucci told WJCT News partner News4Jax, “He and I were very close and I loved him very much. He was Jacksonville’s greatest patriarch and statesman and will be missed forever. The last few years I have loved him like a father and he treated me like a son. I express my sincerest sympathy and love to his family that he so loved.”
Jacksonville area Congressman John Rutherford, R-FL4, said, “My heartfelt condolences to the Godbold family and all who had the pleasure to know him. Mayor Godbold was a tremendous leader in our community and a force for good. He will be greatly missed.”
Mr. Godbold, a Democrat, was first elected to the Jacksonville City Council.
In addition to the accomplishments Curry mentioned, Godbold’s credited with the formation of the Jacksonville Jazz Festival and was the mayor who got the now-demolished Jacksonville Landing built.
Mr. Godbold also helped move the ball the down the field in the early days of what would ultimately result in the city's securing the Jacksonville Jaguars NFL expansion team.
“I really didn’t want to run for a second term. But you know that’s the best way to be the best mayor in town – is don’t give a damn about being re-elected. Just do what’s best and let the people decide,” Mr. Godbold said in a 2014 TV special that aired on WJCT Public Television.
A biography called Jake! was released last year by Mr. Godbold’s longtime friend and political strategist Mike Tolbert, who appeared on WJCT’s First Coast Connect with Melissa Ross in August. Hear the full interview with Tolbert here.
Mr. Godbold also called in to the program that day, commenting on the book: “It’s very humbling and very exciting. I’m just absolutely overwhelmed with the whole thing. I’m just so thankful.“
To learn more about the life, legacy and leadership of Mayor Jake Godbold, we invite you to watch this 2014 TV special that was produced by Leadership Jacksonville in association with WJCT:
Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story listed Mr. Goldbold's age as 85, based on a bio page. However, Mr. Godbold's family has confirmed he was 86.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org, 904-358-6349 or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
