If Judge Jim Naftel II ever writes his memoirs, leading the Jefferson County Probate Court through a pandemic will be prominently included.

That, Naftel said, is what he remembers most as he looks back on his 4½ years on the bench.

“(It was) probably the relief of getting through the 2020 election, just getting thrown into the middle of that and not knowing what I was doing,” he said, “and not having any prior experience in any of that. Having to learn on the fly.

“But getting through that,” he said to himself, “’OK, now, I can do this.”

Naftel did not seek reelection for another term. On Thursday, the Jefferson County Commission presented him with a proclamation that recognized and thanked him for his service.

Commissioner Mike Bolin, a former Jefferson County probate judge, said he’s known Naftel since his days on the bench.

“He tried many cases before me and I’ve never seen any lawyer that’s nicer (and) full of humility toward parties, litigants, witnesses and the court, the judge,” Bolin said. “I was glad when Gov. (Kay) Ivey appointed him to replace the retired Judge Alan King.”

The District 5 commissioner shifted to a view of Naftel’s time in probate court, acknowledging that he’s heard things from lawyers.

“I have heard nothing but, not just good things but (that he’s) the best ever,” Bolin said. “I really am sad to see him leave. But this man, Jim Naftel, he is the best.”

In accepting the proclamation, Naftel said probate court is an important and often unseen part of county government.

“It’s just been a real privilege to advance that and try to continue the great tradition that goes back to (George) ‘Slim’ Reynolds and before him, and you, Judge King and Judge (Mark) Gaines and all those who came before.”

Naftel had considered resuming his private law practice, facing the bench and presenting a case instead of sitting on the bench and hearing cases. But he chose to pivot from that path.

“I don’t want to go back to private practice,” he said. “The opportunity opened up for a spot at Alabama Law Institute, so I took it. I’ll be commuting (to Montgomery). It’s about 40, 45 minutes door to door.”

The Alabama Law Institute’s purpose is to clarify and simplify the laws of Alabama, revising laws that are out-of-date and filling gaps in the law where there exists legal confusion. It was created by an act of the Legislature in 1967 and became the Law Revision Division of the Legislative Services Agency in 2017.

With Naftel not seeking reelection and Judge Sherri C Friday retiring, there will be a changing of the guard in Jefferson County Probate Court.

In November, Yashiba “Red” Blanchard was elected to Naftel’s seat in Place 1 and Jameria Johnson Moore in Place 2. The two new judges take their seats Jan. 20.