Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

“I don’t know what I’ll do now,” said Jimmy "Smiley" Lotshaw, Versailles. Lotshaw has retired from the Town of Versailles Water and Street Department after 43 years. “I have some puzzles I can work on,” he told The Versailles Republican. His nick name Smiley is for a good reason, he always has a smile on his face.

Lotshaw was working his last day on March 28 when his supervisor Kevin Hensley called and reported a major water leak at the Colonial Manor, where Lotshaw resides. The dedicated employee hurried over to help out when SURPRISE! He discovered instead friends, family and co-workers had gathered to wish him well on his retirement. He was presented a scooter by the town. “My first one was stolen,” said Lotshaw, “and the second one wouldn’t work.”

As an employee for the water and street department, Lotshaw would clean storm sewers, empty trash, and patch holes in the streets. His least favorite job was to read the water meters. “My favorite part of the job was mowing two days a week,” he noted.

“He always had a smile on his face. He never complained,” said Kevin Hensley, supervisor of the water and Street department. Hensley has worked with Lotshaw since 1992. “Jimmy was at work every day, and rarely took a sick day. He always did what he was asked to do without complaining,” said Hensley. “I wish we had a couple more employees like him.”

Lotshaw will continue to mow a few hours a week through the spring and summer. According to Hensley, Lotshaw will still ride his John Deere mower in the Pumpkin Show parade. “It wouldn’t be the same without him,” he concluded.

BETH RUMSEY PHOTO Seated on his new scooter given to him on his retirement from the Town of Versailles, Jimmy Lotshaw smiles as he is surrounded by friends, co-workers, family, and town board members at his surprise party on March 28. He worked for the town for 43 years.