THOMASVILLE — Superior Court Judge Jim Prine is ready for his new role in life.

On Thursday, Prine presided over a Southern Judicial Circuit courtroom after being sworn in to the judgeship Tuesday by Gov. Brian Kemp at the state Capitol in the presence of family and friends.

The governor appointed Prine, a Thomas County resident, to the judgeship on Jan. 2.

Prine has been employed as an assistant district attorney in the Thomasville district attorney’s office for 18 years.

“Technically, I tendered my resignation from the D.A.’s office Monday,” he said.

Since being appointed to the judgeship, Prine has been an observer of judges and courtroom proceedings, along with getting to know court personnel and attorneys in other counties in the judicial circuit. In addition to Thomas County, the circuit includes Colquitt, Lowndes, Echols and Brooks counties.

“Of course, I’ve been in courtrooms my entire career, but in another capacity,” Prine said.

For the first six months of the judgeship, Prine will preside circuitwide over civil cases only. In Thomas County, he will not hear criminal cases for 12 months.

Prine’s first days on the bench will be in Moultrie, Valdosta and Thomasville.

The term to which he was appointed will require Prine to run for election in 2022.

“I’m ready for his new chapter,” he said. 

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820