Judge James Cooksey has submitted a letter to the governor’s office stating his intent to retire from the bench effective December 1. He serves as Associate Judge for the 14th Judicial Circuit, which includes Howard and Randolph Counties.

Judge Cooksey is reportedly retiring due to age limits on Missouri judges. His final day serving in the Howard County courtroom was Friday, November 22.

Garreth Cooksey is an assistant prosecuting attorney in Marion County. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and business administration from Truman State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri–Columbia.

“It’s been nice to have Judge Cooksey’s years of experience and consistency on the bench,” said Circuit 14 Presiding Judge Scott Hayes. “I’m sure the citizens of Randolph and Howard County will miss him and his presence in the courtroom.” 

Judge Hayes told this newspaper that in addition to his regular assignments, Associate Judge Mason Gebhardt has agreed to take over the juvenile cases with Judge Cooksey’s departure.

On Friday, Governor Mike Parson announced Judge Cooksey’s son, Garreth, will be appointed to the bench to serve out his father’s term, which expires December 31, 2026.

A request by this newspaper for a copy of Judge Cooksey’s letter of resignation to the governor has not been fulfilled. Neither the Howard County nor the Randolph County courts received a copy of the letter.

According to Missouri revised statutes, elected judges must be a resident of the county for which he is to be elected for one year prior to the date of the election. However, a person appointed by the governor to fill a vacancy may file for election and be elected notwithstanding this provision.

Judge Cooksey is a native of Moberly and holds degrees from William Jewell College and the University of Missouri–School of Law. He was appointed Associate Circuit Judge in 1983 and again in 2017, re-elected in 2018 and 2022.