
Share a Memory:
Upon submitting your memory, please refresh your page to view your condolences.
Condolences:
Yvonne Bowman
Nancy, I am deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved Jimmie. He was an amazing man, a husband, a father and a grandfather. And a diehard Auburn fan! You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers. In sorrow.
Judith Hudkins Turner
Absolutely enjoyed knowing Jim. He was amazing years ago when we put together the RITA tennis tournament held in Amelia Island Plantation to raise money for the fight against breast cancer. "As you lived in the light with joy, love lifted you. As you brushed against this world so gently, you lifted us.
Kitty Morris
Nancy, you’re in our prayers, as well as the rest of Jim’s family! My mom and dad certainly loved you and Jim! May God grant you peace!
Bob Pollock
I had the pleasure of working with Jimmie during his time as president of our HOA. He was a kind, respectful, and thoughtful man whose leadership helped create a well-run community where neighbors genuinely cared about one another. Jimmie and Nancy had been part of our community for many years, and they took great pride in their home. Their home and yard were always beautifully and meticulously maintained—a reflection of the care and pride they brought to everything they did. Jimmie was someone who made a positive difference in our community, and I feel fortunate to have known and worked with him. He will be greatly missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.
Robyn & Doug Potter
He will be dearly missed! Nancy, you and your family are in our prayers. May the comfort of family and friends and the grace of God help you at this most difficult time. With much love...
Mike Burling
I had the pleasure to work directly for Jim at BMC-N. He was easily the best boss I ever worked for. His blend of Humility and Intelligence was hard to beat. He was patient and had the ability to put you at ease, but at the same time being very productive. I recognized several of my former Co- Workers who signed this page as we were the Old Nassau General Hospital gang who were very fortunate to get Jim as our first Administrator under Baptist. Rest in Peace Jim as you were a Class Act and will be missed.
Susan Markiw, PT
Nancy- my heart aches for you and I pray the Holy Spirit comforts and strengthens you in the days ahead. Jim was the 5th administrator in the first 2 years working at thehospital and was the best of them all. May he be your guardian angel until you and Jim be reunited again.
Pat Troxel
Jim was such a remarkable person...kind, gracious, always thinking of others. He and Nancy were our neighbors in Golfside South. They were the best neighbors ever! Praying for peace and understanding for Nancy and their family. With much love.
Jerrie Moore
Jim was my direct boss during his tenure at Baptist Medical Center Nassau. I considered him not just my boss, but my friend. He had a way of bringing out the best in people, probably because he gave his best to all who crossed his path. We were all better because of him. Sending my love and prayers to Nancy, David and all of Jim’s family.
Jeri Shipley Kolke
Maggie and Gary Adams
Mrs. Nancy, please know that we are thinking of you and your family in your loss of such a precious soul. Fernandina will not be the same without Mr. Jim around to look after us all. Prayers and love sent your way.
Cervera Ferreira Burgess
My sincere condolences and love.
Davis and Dee Chaplin
Jim, we always felt so fortunate to call you a friend. You were one of the most thoughtful and genuine people we knew. You were loved by many and we will miss you. Our love to the family and especially you dear Nancy.
Frances Panaro
Nancy& Heather,please know how deeply sorry I am for your loss. Jim was a wonderful man. My thoughts are with you both.
John and Bernice Freeman
Bernice Freeman
Teresa Cruz
Betty (BJ) Taylor
Elizabeth and Mark Bandyk
Dearest Nancy & Family, we will miss Jim’s smiling face and kind words here in the neighborhood! I know his last days/weeks were difficult but he stayed true to his love and compassion for his family. He left an incredible legacy and he will be forever missed. Love~ Elizabeth & Mark🙏🏼
Margo Story
My sincere condolences to Nancy & the family. May the eternal light shine upon Jim.
Ronald Kurtz
What a privilege to have known Jim and to have worked with him on many projects...As a former neighbor, he was a special citizen of our Island. My condolences to his family.
Wanda Linton
Mr Mayo was a wonderful person. When ever he would walk through the hospital, he wound always call me by name and always asked me how my doggie, Ziggy, was doing. I brought Ziggy to a hospital function and he never forgot him. He was a kind and gentle man and loved his wife, Nancy, and his family!💕
Esther D.
Barb Gingher
Nancy and family I am so sorry for the loss of such a great man. He hired me many years ago and he was the best boss. Also best loved by all the nurses. My blessings to you.
Tim and Kris Lucey
It is with a very heavy heart that I read about Jim's passing. Jim was instrumental at providing the framework for what the residents of Amelia Island and the entire Nassau County are able to experience today, truly specialized healthcare locally. Jim was empowered to bring a level of healthcare to the residents of the community. His loss is imense and I hope people in the community understand the impact that Jim made the next time they are at the doctors office. Our thoughts and prays are with the entire Mayo family, especially Nancy who was truly the love of Jim's life. It was an honor and privilege to have known Jim and to participate in his vision for the county of Nassau.
Dickie and Shelly Anderson
Michelle M Zenko MD
Nancy & the extended Mayo family. I arrived in 1996- right out of training in Emergency Medicine from Ohio at age 27! A newly “minted” attending physician (independent contractor) that staffed the existing Baptist ED’s at that time. I bought my first home on the Island in 1997. Jim almost always had a smile (even when difficult conversations were to be had in the ED). His office door was always open and honestly was a driver of my decision to become one of a core group of physicians to staff the ER and reside in Nassau County. I don’t think there’s enough kind words or adjectives that I can use to convey exactly how he cared and was innovative at the same time. I am truly sorry for your loss - I feel like a giant Oak Tree has fallen. I will keep you and yours in my prayers as you navigate this immediate period & beyond. Thank you for sharing him with the rest of us. With Gratitude, Michelle
Pawnee Hall
Jim was a special and dear friend. He was more like a brother for chauffeuring me to medical procedures. I will miss being his personal Uber driver where we had lots of discussions and laughs. Even hurricane evacuations will not be the same. I will miss you but heaven has gained a faithful servant.
Kathy Bland
Nancy I am saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a good man and will be missed. Prayers for you and the family.
Joni Reid
I have heard many wonderful stories about Jim Mayo. Several that he was the best administrator that BMCN ever had. He was a godly man with a heart of gold.This man was dear to my heart .To know him was to love him. Words don't seem adequate at this time.Nancy, we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. I love you.me
Jimmie Lloyd Mayo
2026-08-18
Jimmie Lloyd Mayo, former President of Baptist Medical Center Nassau, died August 18, 2026, at Baptist Medical Center, Jacksonville, Florida, surrounded by his family and closest friends in those peaceful moments.
Jimmie Mayo was born October 23, 1946, in Gadsen, Alabama to Floyd Orzo Mayo and Letha Ardena Roberson Mayo. His incredible life and legacy are cherished by his wife, Nancy; son, David (Gretchen) Mayo, granddaughters: Kai and Nyah, Nancy’s daughter, Heather Leidecker, brother, David Mayo, sister, Dena (Don) Thurmond, brother- in- law, William Rayburn, extended family members: Sherry Thurmond and niece, Michelle (Drake) Ibsen, grandnephew, Cole (Karstin) Ibsen, grandniece, Lennon Ibsen. He is respectfully remembered by a community full of grateful people. If you ever heard someone mention Jim Mayo, it was always with gratitude and love.
Jim Mayo’s love for his family was central in his life. He worked hard to provide, inspire and love all of them. He would drive for hours to help when needed and did everything possible to make their lives better.
His life was anchored in a deep sense of calling to make the world a better place. He continually studied history, theology, human sciences and social justice. A brilliant man whose curiosity about the world and the universe always led him to learn more. He practiced justice, loved mercy and walked humbly with God.
Justice and inclusion were not just words, Jim Mayo made everyone feel welcome and important. He was incredibly patient, quick to affirm and steadfast to encourage. He was always a learner and was easy to talk with because he was not judgmental and every person he met- mattered. When he walked through the halls of the hospital, day or evening, he called the team members by their names, asked about their families and dreams.
Jim found immense joy in simple things like history, the Auburn Tigers, Jacksonville Jaguars, golf, long walks and easy bike rides. His many, close friendships were cherished and nurtured over the years.
Jim grew up in Alabama and attended David Lipscomb College in Nashville, Tennessee, receiving a master’s degree in history. He also graduated from Abilene Christian University in Texas with a Master of Divinity degree. Following which he served as a chaplain and then minister of Brookside Church of Christ in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
In 1981 Jim Mayo began work in hospital administration at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Gadsden Alabama. He soon received a Master’s degree in hospital administration from the University of Alabama, Birmingham and worked in hospital administration for 29 years.
In 1994 he became the first President of Baptist Medical Center Nassau. His dedication to the team and patients of BMCN and to the Baptist Health system, helped establish Baptist Nassau Medical Center as one of the leading community hospitals in the country. He retired in 2010.
Jim Mayo was dedicated to serving the greater Fernandina community. He invested time and leadership as President of both the Fernandina Beach-Yulee and Greater Nassau Chamber of Commerce. He served on the boards of Michah’s Place, Florida Community College, and Elder Source and the Nassau County Development board.
He was past chair of the Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida and the Rural Hospital Council of the Florida Hospital Association. He was a member of the Rotary Club in Fernandina.
He held numerous positions on the Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida and was recognized nationally for three consecutive years as one of the top 100 adminstrators for rural and community hospitals. He was a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Once when asked about what he hoped people would know about his life and the deep, meaningful work he was able to do, Jim responded, “Tell them I had fun! Tell them to be kind and love each other!”
Jim understood the need for chaplaincy/spiritual care for patients, families, and team members. An endowment for Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy was established 2010 through the Baptist Health Foundation to provide for training and support for chaplains. Memorial gifts may be made to the Jim and Nancy Mayo Endowment for Spiritual and Pastoral Care, Baptist Health Foundation, 841 Prudential Drive, Suite 1300 Jacksonville, Florida 32207.
Services to remember Jim will be held Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Preserve at Amelia River Golf Club.
Memories