(KNZA)--An area northeast Kansas judge plans to retire next month.

 According to a new release from the Kansas Courts, Chief District Judge Gary Nafziger of the 2nd Judicial District will retire January 11 after 38 years of service. The district is composed of Jackson, Jefferson, Pottawatomie, and Wabaunsee counties.

Nafziger became a district judge in 1982 and was appointed chief judge of the 2nd Judicial District in 2005.

 He came to Jefferson County in 1972 as an intern for the county attorney's office. After graduating from law school in 1973, he became the assistant county attorney for Jefferson County in 1974. Nafziger then served as the part-time county attorney from 1974 to 1981 while simultaneously maintaining a private law practice.

Nafziger and his wife, Janice, have been married 52 years. They raised two daughters in Ozawkie and have three grandchildren.

Nafziger said he is looking forward to the freedom of not being committed to a schedule arranged a year in advance as judicial calendars require. He intends to stay active in the law and may conduct mediation, settlement conferences, and take select cases.

District judges in the 2nd Judicial District are appointed following a merit selection process. State statute requires a nominating commission to accept nominations, interview nominees, and forward the names of finalists to the governor, who appoints a replacement. After serving one year in office, the new judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.