Another local judge plans retirement

Courtesy GreeneCountyCourts.org

Judge Thomas Mountjoy is set to exit in October.

Judge Thomas Mountjoy has announced his retirement at a time that’s been marked by an unprecedented number of judges leaving the 31st Judicial Circuit.

The Greene County judge penned a letter Aug. 25 to Missouri Chief Justice Paul Wilson, informing him of his intention to exit the bench on Oct. 31.

"It has truly been my great honor and privilege to serve the citizens of this circuit and of the great state of Missouri as circuit judge, including several terms as presiding judge of the 31st Judicial Circuit," Mountjoy said in the letter. "I am truly grateful for all of the opportunities and privileges for service that have been given to me over my career."

Mountjoy was appointed as a 31st Judicial Circuit judge in 1995 by former Gov. Mel Carnahan.

His retirement comes on the heels of other announcements.

Circuit Court Judges Michael Cordonnier, Jason Brown and Calvin Holden have recently announced retirements. That left Becky Borthwick, David Jones and Mountjoy as the remaining judges, and Jones, like Mountjoy, is slated to reach retirement age in June 2023. Additionally, Borthwick has applied for a state judgeship.

“There’s a potential that the entire circuit bench will turn over in the next 12 months,” said Crista Hogan, Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association executive director, in an Aug. 23 SBJ article.