Lawmen give a sendoff to retiring trooper

If a man’s stature is measured by the opinions of others, N.C. State Highway Patrol Trooper Jimmy Ray High’s reaches the stratosphere.

The former Marine and trooper since 1988 has retired. He has been stationed in Craven and Pamlico counties during his entire career.

This week he was roasted and toasted at his farewell dinner, where at least 250 of his closet friends and colleagues made jokes about his height (he is 5 feet tall, but can bench press 340 pounds) and sincere opinions about his outstanding career in law enforcement.

Superior Court Judge Ken Crow was an assistant district attorney when High began patrolling the roads in the district. “He was a professional. I was very grateful to work with him. He served with dignity and he was always prepared with his cases,” Crow said. Crow later served as a district court judge, then superior court judge, “always seeing how great a job Jimmy did as our careers continued,” Crow said.

Troopers both retired and active came from across the state to bid goodbye to High. Col. Randy Glover, top brass with the patrol, worked with High as a first sergeant.

First Sgt. David Garrish remembered when High first arrived in New Bern. “I was riding with him and the seat was really close to the dash board. He was happy and jubilant. He earned the nickname ‘Knee High,’” Garrish said.

District Court Judge Walter Mills said of High, “he makes a hard job look easy.”

District Attorney Scott Thomas said High served the district well. “The roads were always safer because of his good work.”

Troopers now retired who worked with High including Ken Hill, Joe Hoffmann and Larry Johnson agreed that High looked out for the people on the roadways and fellow law enforcement officers across the board.

Hill said he might have been underestimated because he was short, but he was more than enough to handle.

High said he enjoyed most the bond he had with fellow troopers. “And with me, what you see is what you get. I am humbled and speechless to see so many people turn out. I am glad to see everyone tonight. I feel like I am floating,” High said.

He left with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award, retirement certificates and his weapon.

But mostly he left with memories.

Francine Sawyer can be reached at 252 -635-5671 or at fsawyer@freedomenc.com.