The Jacksonville community is coming together to honor the life and contributions of Terry Fields, a former state representative and Jacksonville City Council member. Fields, known for his dedication to public service and his ability to inspire others, passed away at the age of 56 after a brief illness.
Fields’ passing has left a void felt deeply by those who knew him, from city hall to educational halls across Duval County. He leaves behind a legacy of mentorship, humor, and a commitment to community betterment.
Rahman Johnson, a current Jacksonville City Council member, is among those mourning Fields’ loss. Johnson recalls meeting Fields when he was just 13 years old, a relationship that blossomed into a mentorship and close friendship. Johnson fondly remembers Fields’ infectious enthusiasm and dedication to the community.
“Terry is unforgettable,” Johnson shared. “He had a great sense of humor and a deep love for this community. I can still hear him say, ‘It’s a great day in the state of Florida.’ That was his trademark. He was genuinely a good guy.”
Throughout his career, Fields served on the Jacksonville City Council and later represented Florida’s 14th District in the House of Representatives. He was renowned for his ability to bridge political divides and his leadership in championing community causes.
Fields served on the Jacksonville City Council before representing the state’s 14th District in the Florida House of Representatives, where he built a reputation as a leader who worked across political lines.
“I’ve seen him raise funds for people and projects and community,” Johnson said. “I’ve seen him do this masterful work of reaching across the aisle and bridging the divide. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone do it with as much dignity as Terry Fields.”
In recent years, Fields was teaching at Duval Charter School Westside, where he mentored students and helped lead a group focused on uplifting young men. Johnson said Fields was deeply invested in the lives of the students he worked with daily.
“There was a new generation of leaders that were benefiting from his leadership and his experience,” Johnson said. “The kids that he saw every day, they’re hurting right now, and my heart is with them.”
Jacksonville City Council Member Ju’Coby Pittman also shared a tribute on Facebook, calling Fields a dear friend and saying his impact “will live on through the lives he touched and the community he helped shape.”
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan honored Fields in a social media post, writing that the city would be “forever inspired by his efforts to protect workers’ rights, expand healthcare access, and invest in underserved neighborhoods.”
As friends and colleagues continue to reflect on Fields’ influence, Johnson said one of their final conversations now carries even greater meaning.
“He said, ‘I love you, boy,’” Johnson recalled. “I said, ‘I love you too, man.’ It was that simple. That’s a reminder, tell people that you love them, show them that you love them while you can.”
Johnson added that he finds comfort in knowing Fields’ work will continue through those he mentored.
“I know I was loved by my brother who is up there making sure that the work continues here,” he said.
Johnson plans to introduce a resolution at Tuesday night’s Jacksonville City Council meeting to honor Fields’ life and legacy. The Florida House of Representatives will also hold a moment of silence for Fields on Thursday.
