James I “Jim” Crews Jr.

James I “Jim” Crews Jr. earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from Florida State University. He worked as a consultant for the Florida Lung Association before running to represent the citizens of District 3 on the Leon County Board of County Commissioners in 1982. After his election to the Board, he advocated for neighborhood and environmental concerns. He supported initiatives such as traffic management, a master drainage plan, adopting a plan to protect Lake Jackson, environmental ordinances, tree protection, subdivision ordinances, and social services, including Refuge House, which provides services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. He served as Board Chairman from 1980-1981. Crews resigned from his Commission seat on November 2, 1982, to run for state Senate.