James V. Crosby
James V. “Jimmy” Crosby, Jr. (born 1952) is the former Secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections. He was appointed by Florida Governor Jeb Bush in 2003. Early life and education Jimmy Crosby was born and raised in Starke, Florida on August 15, 1952. He attended Bradford County High School in one of the first desegregated graduating classes at the school. Crosby earned his Bachelor of Arts, Communication and Journalism, from the University of Florida, class of 1973 and early in his career became a City Commissioner and later Mayor of the City of Starke by the age of 28. Between 2008 and 2010, Crosby obtained a Master of Theology, Doctorate of Ministry, Doctorate of Theology, Doctorate of Philosophy in Biblical Studies from the Jacksonville Baptist Theological Seminary. Crosby is also a certified public manager. Career Crosby joined the Florida Department of Corrections in 1975 and served as the warden at five major institutions, including Florida State Prison. He also served as Regional Director of Security and Institutional Management, Region II. He replaced George Denman as Region II director in 2001. Crosby was heavily involved in Republican Party politics during his career, serving at one time as a congressional district