ORANGE PARK – James Renninger, a retired U.S. Navy veteran who 26 years, including Vietnam, has led quite a life.

He’s now one of the newest members of the Board of Commissioners, looking to help Clay County reach its potential as one of the fastest-growing areas of Northeast Florida.

Renninger, one of 10 siblings, grew up in Pennsylvania and is a graduate of Penn State University. He never intended to stay Navy that long, where he was a pilot, but it ended taking over a good portion of his adult life. His first plan was to complete a six-year term, but he decided to stay until 10. Ten eventually stretched to 20, but his retirement was rejected. That was a blessing in disguise, as he ultimately worked for former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen, before finally retiring from the Navy in 1998.

“I served my country, and then I thought I’d serve my community as an elected official,” said Renninger.

While still in the Navy, Renninger’s wife set the ball in motion for political office in the family. His wife served three three-year terms on the Orange Park Town Council. When her time in office ended, he was convinced to run. He served nine years on the council, with two terms as Mayor during that time.

He now sits on the BCC and has a four-year commitment. One of his focuses is on education.

“I think education is very important; I think Clay County is very blessed to have an ‘A’ school [rating],” said Renninger.

He is proud of the school district but understands that nothing is perfect and expects to work with the school board to try and take it to the next level.

He describes himself as a fiscal conservative, and that drives many of his policy stances. A career military officer, Renninger, brings some of that mindset to everything he does.

“When I took over commands in the Navy, there was apprehension because I read everything, and I look over everything,” he said, “and I expect people to do their jobs. I think my record is, I’m a fair-minded individual, and I’ve walked in their shoes. I’ve worked in crazy jobs. Don’t tell me you can’t do it, because I’ve done it.”