Jim Stafford will retire April 27, after more than 40 years of service to the Warsaw Public Works Dept. His career, which spans almost 50 years, started April 23, 1953, when Mike Hodges was mayor. He worked under mayors Hodges, Andrew Jack Ingle, Joe Johnson and Dale Tucker until he retired Oct. 29, 1977, ... the first time. He came back to "help out" from Feb. 27 to Oct. 7, 1978. He started again Aug. 11, 1986, and worked under Tucker, Jeff Plank and current mayor Ernie Wiggins. He will retire again later this month.

According to Lacy Francis Jr., superintendent of public works, "He will truly be missed and it will be very difficult to replace him. His years of dedication are greatly appreciated. He was never sick and had excellent work and attendance records."

Stafford's follower, Bill Beigh, said, "He's the best driver they've got!"

Statistically, Stafford has picked up and/or delivered approximately 210,400 cubic yards of trash and over a 40-year period, he has made 10,520 trips to the landfill for Warsaw.

Stafford and his wife Doris will celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary in June. He has four children: Jim, John, Mich and Diane Stafford, who work in the family business, Stafford Solid Waste.

For 10 years, Stafford and his son Jim worked together for the city. "Big Jim" ran the southside truck and "Little Jimmy" ran the northside truck. Together they have served the city for more than 50 years.

When asked what he will do when he retires, he hesitates. He admits that it will be hard for him not to work. "I'll probably help relieve the family members, and I may come back (to the city) and help out off and on."

He's been known to fill-in for family members when he's on vacation. He did indicate that he and his wife planned to do a little traveling.

Stafford closed by saying, "Lacy's a good man to work for. I appreciate you, Lace."

It's this attitude that will make him missed by all his co-workers. [[In-content Ad]]