Councilman Jim Bagby

Current Term

2022 - 2026

Biographical Information

Jim Bagby currently serves as the District Director for Congressman Matt Gaetz. His prior work experience includes serving as the General Manager for One Seagrove Place, the Executive Director for Visit South Walton and the Town Manager for Rosemary Beach. Jim also serves on the Destin City Council and is in his fourth term. Finally, he is a licensed realtor and community association manager.

He grew up near Tyler, Texas. He and his wife Jennie have two daughters:  Sara and Jennifer. He and Jennie have been married for 37 years. She is the District Developmental Evaluator for Pre-K children in the Okaloosa County School District. Sara lives in the New York City area and is a team leader for Capital One. Jennifer lives in Tallahassee, Florida and is employed by the Pennington Law Firm as an attorney. Jim has a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from West Point and a master's degree in Public Administration from Western Kentucky University, where he was recognized as the distinguished graduate student in the Government Department.

Jim's work experience also includes 24 years in the United States Army with a variety of operational and staff assignments throughout the world. His last assignment was as the Chief, Joint Support Element at Hurlburt Field. On 9/11 he was at CENTAF Headquarters coordinating a joint exercise. Shortly thereafter he was requested by name to serve on CENTCOM's Future Planning Element as part of the initial group of military augmentees to CENTCOM's staff.

Jim's public volunteering also includes service as the Chairman (3 years) and Vice Chairman (1 ½ years) of Veterans Florida, service on the Walton County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and several other boards and committees. He is currently a member of Northwest Florida State College Foundation Board of Directors and is a Lector and Eucharistic Minister at Resurrection Catholic Church. His hobbies include reading, golfing and traveling.