The moment was bittersweet for Jim Todd, who retired as United States District Court Judge for the Western District of Tennessee, Thursday.

“I’m both sad and honored – sad I’m leaving all these wonderful people and this interesting important work,” Todd said, “But I’m honored this many people saw fit to celebrate my career – maybe they’re not celebrating the fact that I’m leaving, but the fact that I was here.”

Family, friends and colleagues honored Todd, Judicial Assistant Jackie Logue and Career Law Clerk Lois Cruze at an event at The Blacksmith Restaurant.

“It’s the greatest honor in my professional life to have served as the judge of this court,” said Todd, who was appointed July 19, 1985, “All the trials were important, but just getting to do this exciting work made it easy to get up and come to work every day.”

One Jackson Law Enforcement Officer extended his boundaries because of Todd.

“I would not be the U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee if not for Judge Todd encouraging me to apply for this appointment,” Tyreece Miller said, “I am just one of many whose lives have been positively impacted by knowing Jim Todd.”

Like Miller, Madison County Mayor Jimmy Harris took note of those in attendance to honor Todd.

“Respect and talent – There’s law enforcement, judges, lawyers, the D.A. (District Attorney) you name it – they all have a healthy respect for Jim Todd,” Harris said, “But he is the epitome of what a federal judge ought to be. He makes decisions based on the law and the Constitution – that’s all you can ask for.”

Harris also discussed the man he knows on a personal level.

“I’ve known Jim Todd for many, many years and he came from a good family in Henderson County,” Harris said, “But he was a great lawyer and he’s made an excellent judge and he is well-respected among all the judicial branch … anywhere you want to go – he has a great reputation.

“He’s been a real good addition to the court.”

(PHOTO: Jim Todd, United States District Court Judge for the Western District of Tennessee, and Tyreese Miller, the U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee)