Jacksonville Mourns Former State Rep. and Councilman Terry Fields

Hundreds honor Fields' life of service, leadership, and mentorship across the city.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 1:52am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Hundreds gathered in Jacksonville to honor the life and legacy of former State Representative and City Councilman Terry Fields, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 66 after a brief illness. From City Hall to the State Capitol, those who knew him say his leadership and mentorship changed lives across the city. Friends, former colleagues, and students remembered Fields as a servant leader who had a passion for teaching and mentoring young people.

Why it matters

Terry Fields' passing marks the end of an era in Jacksonville politics and community leadership. As a longtime state representative and city councilman, he was known for his dedication to public service and his ability to bring people together. His mentorship program and work in the classroom also had a profound impact on the lives of many young people in the city.

The details

During an emotional funeral service, speakers recalled Fields' many roles and accomplishments, from his time in the Florida House of Representatives from 2000 to 2008 and on the Jacksonville City Council from 1991 to 1999, to his work as a teacher and mentor. Friends and former colleagues said he had a unique ability to connect with people and push them to be their best. In the classroom at Duval Charter School Westside, Fields made learning come alive and inspired a love of history in his students.

  • Terry Fields passed away earlier this month at the age of 66.
  • The funeral service was held on Friday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Terry Fields

A former State Representative and Jacksonville City Councilman who passed away at the age of 66 after a brief illness.

Pat Locket-Felder

A former Jacksonville City Council member who was a close friend and colleague of Terry Fields.

Stephanie Jones

An honorary City Council member who knew Terry Fields for more than 50 years.

Coach Jacobs

An educator who worked alongside Terry Fields and will now take over his mentorship program.

Ken Jefferson

A crime and safety expert who knew Terry Fields for decades.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Terry liked leadership. Terry liked working with people.”

— Pat Locket-Felder, Former City Council member

“There's so much he did for our city and our state.”

— Stephanie Jones, Honorary City Council member

“I used to get upset by a couple of things. And he'd say hey, let's talk. He always brought me from left or right back to the middle.”

— Coach Jacobs, Educator

“He's really the reason why I love history. He was like, funny.”

— Raeshaun Grayson, 9th grade student

“Well, he never stopped working for others. He put himself aside. I oftentimes wonder, did he ever have any personal time, any time for himself?”

— Ken Jefferson, Crime and safety expert

What’s next

The city of Jacksonville is expected to hold a public memorial service to further honor Terry Fields' legacy in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Terry Fields' passing marks the end of an era in Jacksonville politics, but his lasting impact as a servant leader, mentor, and champion for the community will continue to be felt for years to come. His dedication to public service and his ability to connect with and uplift people across the city have left an indelible mark on Jacksonville.