Smith County Justice of the Peace announces retirement

SMITH COUNTY, Texas ( KETK ) – After a 35-year criminal justice career, Smith County Precinct 5 Justice of the Peace Jon Johnson said he is entering retirement.

Smith County officials said Johnson was first sworn into the JP position about five years ago and taught criminal justice courses at Tyler Junior College and Lindale ISD.

Before his JP position, Johnson worked for the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the U.S. District Court in Tyler.

“During those years he served as a federal prison case manager, federal probation officer and chief federal probation officer,” Smith County said.

In Johnson’s retirement letter that was submitted on Friday, he said throughout the years he has held multiple job titles but he enjoyed nothing more than serving the community as JP.

According to Smith County officials, Johnson will retire on Sept. 30 and plans to spend more time with his wife and family.

Johnson’s position will be filled when the Smith County Commissioners Court appoints an interim justice. The precinct 5 area covers northwest Smith County, which includes Lindale and Hideaway.

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