Jacksonville Firefighters Death Benefit Fund, Inc.

08/11/2026

A few times a year we are able to bring you good news about a recruitment drive with a new recruit class; today is one of those times. We are pleased to report that all twenty members of Recruit Class 226 elected to join the Fund. Their membership commitment increases the benefit amount for the welfare of every member of the Fund. Making the recruitment presentation today was Fund President Donald Blanton with board members Dan Dumas, Armando Gonzalez, Nick Tison, and John Verbeck. Thank you Recruit Class 224, and welcome aboard!

07/28/2026

Funeral arrangements for retired Captain Mark S. Chambers have been released. His service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., this Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the Fleming Island campus of the Church of Eleven 22, 4457 US Highway 17 South, Fleming Island.

Please continue to keep the Chambers family and close friends in your prayers and positive thoughts. Thank you Captain Chambers, the "Little General," for your dedicated and devoted service to the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department and the citizens of Jacksonville. You made a difference.

07/25/2026

Your Board of Directors regret to inform you of the death of retired Captain Mark S. Chambers, 87. Captain Chambers began his JFD career on August 30, 1963, and retired on December 22, 1990, after 27 years of service. At the time of his retirement, he was assigned to Engine Company 12. Captain Chambers was an original member of the department’s Hazardous Materials Team serving as one of two lieutenants. He was able to attend the last Haz Mat reunion luncheon held January 31st of this year.

Arrangements have not been formulated at this time. When finalized and made known we will post them on this page. Please join us in keeping Captain Chamber’s wife, other family members, and close friends in your prayers and positive thoughts as they adjust to the time of separation.

07/14/2026

Funeral arrangements for Fund member retired Suppression Lieutenant Eddy M. Foye, 80, who passed away July 8, 2026, have been released.

His funeral service is scheduled for Monday, July 20, 2026, beginning at 10:00 a.m., at the Arlington Campus of the Church of Eleven 22, 651 Commerce Center Drive, Jacksonville, FL, 32225. There is no graveside service. A reception will be held afterwards, also at the Church of Eleven 22.

Please continue to support Lieutenant Foye's family and close friends with your positive thoughts and prayers as they adjust to this time of temporary separation until they see him again.

07/09/2026

Your Board of Directors regret to inform you of the death of Fund member retired Suppression Lieutenant Eddy M. Foye, 80, on July 8, 2026. Lieutenant Foye joined the Jacksonville Fire Department in February of 1969 in the first recruit class hired after Consolidation of the city and county, and faithfully served the department and citizens for many years. One of the highlights of his career no doubt was being one of the last three officers at Fire Station 6 and one of the first three officers at Fire Station 51.

At this time no funeral arrangements have been announced. Please joined us in keeping the Foye family and close friends in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with this time of separation of their loved one. And thank you Lieutenant Foye for your dedicated service.

07/03/2026

Your Board of Directors regret to inform you of the death of Fund member, retired Engineer M.R. "Ray" McGee, 80, on July 2, 2026. Engineer McGee served for many years with the department's Hazardous Material Team. At the time of his passing he was living with his wife Kay in Fernandina Beach. At this time no funeral arrangement have been made. We will post any arrangements in the future when they are known.

We ask that you keep Mrs. McGee and Engineer McGee's other family members and close friends in your thoughts and prayers during this time of separation. And thank Engineer McGee for your service to the department and citizens of Jacksonville.

06/03/2026

Cunningham - James “Skip” G. Cunningham, Sr. was born October 22, 1939, to Henry and Ruby Cunningham in Jacksonville, Florida. He graduated from Paxson Sr. High school in 1957. After working for Atlantic Coastline for 3.5 years, Skip went to work for Jacksonville Fire & Rescue where he retired after 29 years as a Captain. Skip served many years on the board of directors for Nassau County Farm Bureau and with the Nassau County Cattleman's Association. Skip and the love of his life, Lillis married on March 23, 1958, and were happily married for 68 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Skip loved cattle farming as well. Some of his favorite times were spent with his family and his church friends. Skip was a great husband, father, grandfather and friend who will surely be missed by all. He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Cunningham; mother, Ruby Cunningham, brother, Tommy Cunningham; and sister, June Rountree.

Skip is survived by his one and only, Lillis Cunningham; children, Jimmy (Dana) Cunningham, Judy (Pete) Demaggio and Janet (Herbie) Quinones; sister, Brenda (Donald) Dean; fifteen grandchildren; and 22 great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Justin Pinker, Trey Cunningham, Trevor Cunningham, Chad Demaggio, Kevin Savela, and Kelsey Weems.

The tribute above was prepared by Skip’s loving family.

A Celebration of Skip’s Life will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Anchor Church of God with Pastor Dwight Allen and Pastor Eric Osborne officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Foundation of Community Hospice & Palliative Care in Skip’s honor https://thefoundationcares.org/give/. The arrangements are under the care and direction of Nassau Funeral Home, 541720 US-1, Callahan, Florida 32011, 904-879-1770. Visit www.nassaufh.com to sign the family’s guest book.

06/01/2026

Your Board of Directors regret to inform you of the death of Fund member retired Captain James G. "Skip" Cunningham, the evening of Sunday, May 31, 2026. Captain Cunningham began his career on November 29, 1963, and retired as Captain of Engine Company 33 on December 14, 1992, after 29 years of service.

Captain Cunningham's grandson, Justin Pinker, and great-grandson, Jackson Pinker, are also members of the department.

Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at the Anchor Church of God, 541798 U.S. Highway 1, Callahan, Florida., 32011. A time of visitation is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m.

Please join us in keeping the Cunningham family in your thoughts and prayers are they navigate this difficult time. And thank you Captain Cunningham for your service to the department and community.

Updated 6/1/26 @ 1442 to reflect dates of employment.

04/21/2026

https://www.pffh.com/obituary/owen-a-richardson-sr

Owen Albert Richardson, Sr., a proud native of Jacksonville, Florida Garden City, was born on April 17, 1939. He passed away on April 18, 2026 peacefully at home, surrounded by the people who meant the most to him just the way he wanted. Owen was a man who built his

04/19/2026

Your Board of Directors regret to inform you of the death of Fund member retired Fire Prevention Lieutenant Owen A. Richardson Sr., 87, on Saturday, April 18, 2026. As a young man Lieutenant Richardson served the community as a volunteer firefighter with the Garden City Volunteer Fire Department. Later he became employed as a professional firefighter with the Jacksonville Fire Department starting on August 9, 1968, serving for 32 years before retirement. And Lieutenant Richardson also served as a member of the Florida Air National Guard for 30 years.

Lieutenant Richardson was a dedicated family man who leaves behind a wife, three children, six grandchildren, and eleven great grandchildren. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this time of separation. When funeral arrangements have been finalized and made available we will post them on this page.