Cocoa Community Mourns Loss of Former Mayor Jake Williams Jr.
By Space Coast Daily // December 29, 2020
Williams began serving the Cocoa community in 1998
BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA – Former City of Cocoa Mayor Jake Williams Jr. passed away suddenly on Monday, December 28 at age 60.
Williams served as Cocoa mayor from 2018 to 2020 and on the Cocoa City Council from 2004 through 2012.
“I am saddened to hear the news of the passing of former Mayor Jake Williams, Jr.,” said Cocoa Mayor Michael Blake.
“He served the residents of Cocoa for many years as both a Councilman and Mayor and his impact on our community will not be forgotten. My prayers go out to his family and friends during this very difficult time.”
Williams began serving the Cocoa community in 1998 on the Code Enforcement Board. He was then elected to serve on Cocoa City Council in 2004 where he served until 2012.
He also served on the Planning and Zoning Board beginning in 2013 and then was elected in 2018 to serve the residents of Cocoa as their mayor where he served until October 2020.
“This a big loss for the Citizens of Cocoa,” said former Cocoa Mayor Henry Parrish.
“Mayor Jake Williams like so many of us has worked very hard to improve our great City. He cared. We had some great conversations over the years on where our City needs to go in the future. Prayers to his family. Rest In Peace Mayor.”
Williams was also heavily involved in the community as part of the Central Brevard NAACP, Masonic Lodge MI #685, Florida Black Caucus, Brevard Homeless Coalition, Space Coast Transportation and Planning Organization, CivMil and the Florida League of Mayors.
As Cocoa Mayor, Williams fought diligently to reduce crime, eliminate blight, address homelessness and inequality in our community and fought to address the need for affordable housing.
He was retired from the Space Center and was an Air Force Veteran.
“Former Mayor Jake Williams, Jr. was a tireless advocate for his community who had a passion for public service,” said Cocoa City Manager Stockton Whitten.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends and all those who knew and loved him.”
CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS
