Judge Henry J. Mims honored at retirement; organizers say courtroom will bear his name

Judge Henry J. Mims was celebrated at a retirement event in Greer, where colleagues, family members and a police department representative praised his roughly 30 years on the bench and organizers said the courtroom will be named the "Judge Henry J. Mims courtroom."

Speakers offered short tributes and personal congratulations throughout the event, calling Mims a "servant leader" and expressing gratitude for his service to the city. A representative speaking on behalf of the police department said it had been "my honor and my pleasure to work with you" and thanked Mims for helping to make officers "better at what they do."

One speaker proposed formally honoring Mims by naming the courtroom after him, saying, "We think it is appropriate that the courtroom be named the Judge Henry J. Mims courtroom." Attendees applauded, and organizers also noted that a portrait of Mims will hang in the courtroom as a tribute. The proposal was presented during the ceremony; the transcript does not record a formal motion, vote or administrative action on the naming.

Judge Mims addressed the assembled guests, reflecting on his time on the bench and offering thanks. "At the end of the day, it's not what you've acquired, but when you leave here, did anybody know you were here? Did you touch anybody while you were here? I've touched some folks," he said, adding, "I really appreciate you."

The ceremony comprised short remarks, music and applause; no formal council or court action that would finalize the courtroom naming is recorded in the transcript. Organizers and speakers framed the naming and portrait as tributes announced at the event. The record does not specify next procedural steps or an effective date for any formal naming action.