Family and friends of former Mayor Jake Godbold scheduled a public memorial service and celebration of his life for 10 a.m. Feb. 20 at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center at 1000 Water St.
Godbold died Jan. 23 at the age of 86.
“The entire Jacksonville community was covered in a blanket of sadness when it learned Jake Godbold, Jacksonville's best friend, passed away last Thursday,” said Mike Tolbert, a spokesman for the family and an adviser to Godbold, in a news release Jan. 28.
“Jake would want us to restore the city's spirit and keep moving forward. To help make that happen, his family and friends are planning a joyful celebration of his life and his legacy that will include all of Jacksonville."
Voters elected Godbold, a Jacksonville native, to City Council in 1967. He served until 1979 when former Mayor Hans Tanzler resigned to run for governor.
As Council president, Godbold was appointed as mayor for six months. He was elected mayor in 1979 and reelected in 1983.