GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Having just graduated from Law School at the University of Florida, Jim Arnold was at home in Lake City when he heard about a job opening with Attorney James Norton in Green Cove Springs. 

He made the 65-mile drive in 1972 and never turned back. 

“I hadn’t taken my bar exam yet, but I got hired,” he said. “When I got hired, the office manager made $10 a week more than me. I didn’t care back then. It all worked out.”

Arnold passed the bar exam, built a thriving private practice and became the City Attorney in Green Cove Springs in 1977, replacing Norton. It’s been his position on the dais for 49 years. His last official day was Sunday, May 31, "but I’ll be at the next few meetings to help the new attorney [John Wallace of Smith Hulsey & Busey] if he has any questions.” 

After that, Arnold will concentrate on his private practice, Arnold Law, with his son, Jimmy, and spending time with his eight grandchildren.

"I see other people who retire sitting on five-gallon buckets in their yards pulling weeds, and I think, 'That's not going to be me.' I still have plenty to do."

On the first and third Tuesday of each month, Arnold has helped direct council members through the legal channels of ordinances and statutes to reduce the chance of issues being challenged in a court. 

When Arnold started, “Happy Days,” “Three’s Company” and “Laverne & Shirley” were the three highest-rated television shows, “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” by Rod Stewart was Billboard Magazine’s Song of the Year, while “Rocky” won Best Picture of the Year at the Academy Awards. 

Arnold has seen a lot of councilmembers come and go in the past 49 years. He’s seen unparalleled growth, helped with the rebirth of Spring Park and the Augusta Savage Arts and Community Center, a 2045 Future Comprehensive Plan, moving the city’s electrical operations back in house, annual budgets and steering the city through the troubling times of COVID-19. 

His work supported the development of city policies, safeguarded municipal interests and ensured city actions have been carried out in accordance with applicable law. 

Throughout his tenure, Arnold served under multiple administrations and has been involved in several important community efforts. This includes his service as a founding member of the Clay County Bar Association and his assistance in helping preserve the city’s Riverfest event during a period when funding challenges threatened its continuation. 

Those efforts helped secure community support and fundraising that allowed the event to continue and grow into one of the region’s premier Memorial Day observances. His long-standing commitment to professionalism, fairness and public service has earned the respect of colleagues, elected officials, and residents alike. 

“Serving the City of Green Cove Springs for nearly five decades has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life,” Arnold said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside so many dedicated public servants and members of this community.” 

“On behalf of the city, we extend our sincere gratitude to Jim for 49 years of dedicated service,” said Interim City Manager Mike Null. “His retirement marks the conclusion of a remarkable career in public service to the City of Green Cove Springs. We are grateful for his many contributions and the lasting impact his work has had on both the organization and the community.” 

The city plans to recognize Arnold’s career and many contributions to the community at a future date. 

The city council appointed Wallace as interim city attorney on May 19. Wallace represents public and private clients in environmental, land use, real property and governmental law, with a focus on litigation, permitting and regulatory compliance. Prior to joining Smith Hulsey & Busey, Wallace served as an Assistant State Attorney in Florida’s Fourth Judicial Circuit and practiced with other Jacksonville law firms. 

The City of Green Cove Springs contributed to this report.