James D. DeCocq
BORN: February 22, 1971
South Bend, IN
Master of Arts: Marine Affairs & Policy,
Rosenteil School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 1998
Bachelor of Science: Marine Science and Biology,
University of Miami, 1993
His Beginnings
By those that know James DeCocq, he is highly regarded as a straight forward, intelligent and ethical person with the kind of real life experience that has always driven him to align is career with community improvement. James strived to ensure that any project he led fully took into account not only short-term impact and cost, but long-term effects as well.
His parents raised their five children in South Bend, Indiana. His mother Barbara has been a school teacher for over 25 years and his father worked his entire 44 year career in Television and Radio at the local CBS affiliates WSBT, eventually retiring as the Program Director. James’ grandfather emigrated from Belgium, and his great grandparents emigrated from Austria, Poland, and Czechoslovakiato settle in the Midwest, where the DeCocq family was raised. His cousins owned and still operate Kotal Farms, one of the largest Dairy Farms in Northern Indiana. It was perhaps James’ Grandfather DeCocq who most shaped his outlook and disposition.
“When my grandfather DeCocq was laid off by Studebaker Automobile Co. in South Bend, IN, the government offered him $27 per week in unemployment. Instead my grandfather went out and found a job washing dishes at the Morris Inn Country Club at Notre Dame University for $24 per week, and even then refused the $3 difference the government still offered him. When I was a young boy, he said to me, “I did not come to America to receive money from the government. I came here in search of the American dream and build a better life for my family.
To me, a middle class small business owner who comes from middle class parents who came from poor hard working immigrants, his words meant that in this, the greatest country of all, we as individuals have the right and freedom to pursue our dreams and achieve our goals, whatever those goals may be. The character and dignity of achieving those goals through hard work and our own merits is unmatched.” – James DeCocq
Today
In 2006, James started NJC Corporate Enterprises, Inc., a government efficiency firm that offers expert contract services for creation, establishment, transition and revitalization of local governments. From charter authorship and amendments, feasibility studies, pro-forma budgets, financial services, public administration, and visioning plans, James’ background in government management gives him the leading edge as a candidate for Florida State Representative in our suffering economic times.
Like many of us, James has been affected by this economic downturn. But like his Grandfather before him, James aspired to the American dream of building his own small business. And when so many family and friends have lost their jobs, he has met the challenges of all small business owners and has been able to grow his business and create jobs, despite the receding economy.
Family
James met Mayra Etayo DeCocq, the daughter of Cuban immigrants, when they both worked for the Village of Key Biscayne in 1995. They were married in April 2000 at the Key Biscayne Lighthouse. The couple has a beautiful little five year old girl named Jordan Isabella.
“Because There Is No Time For On The Job Training”
For so many Floridians, current events have been a call to attention. For James, it has been a call to action. When James announced his candidacy, it was no surprise to his family and friends. His extensive practical experience and proven successes will help him serve as your State Senator.
All of us know about candidates that run for office because they feel it is their civic duty. But because of their lack of practical government experience, expensive and ineffective decisions have actually hurt us, the tax payer. And then there is the eternal politician, who runs for office for many different reasons. But ultimately, they are guided by their hidden agendas and pursuit of power. James’ campaign is a true grass-roots effort.
James’ experience has helped him manage cities, improve communities, and run a successful business. He is ready to put that experience to work for Florida.
- 15 years experience in Public Administration and Eco-System Preservation projects;
- Assistant City Manager for the Village of Key Biscayne;
- Assistant City Manager and Interim City Manager for the City of Sunny Isles Beach;
- Assistant City Manager and City Manager for the City of Marathon;
- Held steady or lowered taxes during tenure while bolstering reserves and services;
- Involved in the creation and management of numerous municipal divisions including: Parks & Recreation, Public Works, and Building, Zoning & Planning Departments;
- Managed over 50 Community Development Districts (CDDs) in the State of Florida.
Accomplishments
- Managed two (2) storm water drainage projects totaling $6 million, securing $3 million in State funding;
- Designed and supervised development of 10.5 acres of parks, incorporating eco-friendly designs and local native plantings, securing $2.5 million for park development and $800,000 for park enhancement with creative cost savings of $250,000;
- Gold Coast Planning Council Peer Review Panel; Fort Pierce Master Development Plan;
- Community Development District expert; Lake Worth Planning Council;
- Youngest beach preservation expert in the State of Florida, speaking nationally and guest lecturing;
- Created and managed the Village of Key Biscayne $2.7 million beach nourishment and enhancement project, including a complete functional dune system containing over 20 native, three (3) threatened, and one (1) endangered species, securing $1.35 million in funding from the State of Florida and $675,000 from Miami-Dade County;
- Consulted throughout Florida and the Caribbean on natural solutions to various environmental issues, including storm protection, beach erosion, exotic eradication, and shore rehabilitation in densely populated areas;
- Eagle Scouts Award, Troop 432 – 1989
Groups/Organizations
Past
- Boy Scouts of America;
- Order of the Arrow;
- Who’s Who;
- Florida League of Cities;
- The Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association;
- Gold Coast Planning Council Peer Review Panel; Fort Pierce Master Development Plan;
- Community Development District expert; Lake Worth Planning Council;
- Metro Orlando Home Builders Association;
- Florida Home Builders Association;
- Avalon Park POA Board of Directors, 2005 – 2008
