Judicial Marshal Jim Kelly, who for years has been banging the gavel with gusto in a New London courtroom and reading the opening court call (Oyez! Oyez! Oyez!) in a deep and commanding voice, waited until the last minute last week to tell his co-workers at the Huntington Street courthouse that he was retiring.

He went around to various offices to say a quick goodbye, then climbed into his Cadillac and drove away. He didn't want any fuss, so we decided to write just a few simple sentences to let him know he'll be missed.

Kelly became a marshal after retiring from a management position at General Dynamics. He grew up in New London, and it seems like there isn't a street or a family in the entire region that he doesn't know something about. He always had the lowdown on current events, horse racing, baseball, gardening and almost any other topic that came up for discussion during the lengthy pauses between court sessions.

A towering man with a full head of white hair and a rosy complexion, Kelly, who is in his mid-70s, made us feel safe in the courtroom as he stood between us and a prisoner. He conveyed an authority that was rarely, if ever, challenged, using a subtle expression or hand gesture to maintain order.

A couple more beloved senior marshals at the courthouse are expected to retire in upcoming weeks, in part, we are told, because they would be required, for the first time, to complete a physically challenging combat training program, known as LOCKUP. 

Hopefully they'll stop by now and then to say hello.