Longtime Bowie County Judge James Carlow announced his retirement Monday morning at a regular session of the Bowie County Commissioners Court, culminating a career of service to the county that has spanned four decades. His last day in office will be September 30, 2019.
Judge James Carlow has been a catalyst for growth and change in Bowie County and can be credited for many of the things we take for granted here.
His most recent years of service have seen the county recover from a devastating financial crisis brought on by a previous administration, and his tireless efforts to make Bowie County financially stable have not gone unrewarded. At present, the county has a $15 million fund balance.
He and the commissioners achieved this fund balance and the financial recovery, all the while lowering the tax rate.
His friend, David Meadows states, “A great friend, business partner, and County Judge. A man of his word, honest and principled. He has always been that way, before he was County Judge, and to this day the same. He cared deeply for Bowie County and its citizens and always went above and beyond the call of duty. He would spend countless extra hours to be sure the county’s interest was at the forefront in every situation and opportunity. Whatever was thrown at him, he accepted and took care of business. The county today is in great financial condition because of his prudent business skills and desire to bring the county to the highest level of financial responsibility. He will be sorely missed in the halls of Bowie County.”
