Dear readers and editors, after lengthy consideration and with no small degree of reticence, I have determined I have, as of July 1, 2026, fully retired from my role as a weekly newspaper columnist.
I began my community newspaper career with the Bolivar Herald-Free Press in January 1976, and with but a two-semester break in 1977-78 continued at the Buffalo Reflex from August 1978 until my partial retirement in 2015. From that point I have continued as a freelance columnist for any or all of the present former Sterling Media newspapers.
Throughout my editorial career I wrote multiple columns and editorials, and in the Reflex missed no more than one or two issues from 1978 until now.
Do the math. From 1976 to today I have penned columns almost every week for more than 50 years.
Today, though, I find myself less and less inspired, less aware of the interests of current readers, and simply tired of the routine.
I always told myself I would know when it was time to hang it up. I think that time has come and I happily bequeath my weekly editorial space to a new and energized generation of journalists and writers.
I apologize for the short notice, but having decided to quit, I see no reason to delay. I submit this as a final, farewell column for July 1.
It’s been a good run, but the time has come for me to pass the baton and head back to my River of Used to Be.
Jim Hamilton
Editor’s Note: The Quill appreciates Jim’s contributions and camaraderie over the years. He has graciously given permission to reprint his past columns published in his book, “Ozarks RFD: Selected Essays, 2010-2015. Watch future Local Voices pages for their occasional appearance.
