Greg Baxter, who has served as Baker County Circuit Court judge since Jan. 1, 2001, announced today that he will retire Oct. 31.

“I want to thank the citizens of Baker County for the privilege I have had to serve them as their circuit judge for the past nearly 19 years,” Baxter wrote in a statement.

“When I was a high school senior, I met with Judge William Jackson,” Baxter wrote in the statement. “I told him that I was interested in his job. He spoke with me for a while and encouraged me to pursue my dream. I did, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my career.”

Baxter also expressed his appreciation for his coworkers at the court, the attorneys, professionals, law enforcement and citizens with whom he has worked over the years.

Baxter is a 1978 Baker High School graduate. He served as Baker County district attorney from March 1992 to 2000, before being elected circuit judge of the 8th Judicial District. He intends to continue to be active in the court system as a senior judge after retirement, he wrote in the statement.

Baxter and his wife, Karen, are the parents of five children: Greg, Sam, Zack, Courtney and Jake. They have 14 grandchildren.

“I am grateful to my wife for her unwavering encouragement and support,” Baxter stated in the press release. “Without her, I would never have attended law school or run for public office. This decision to retire now is a decision that we have made, once again, together.”