A great example of good service

To the editor:

I understand that my newspaper carrier, Jimmy Stone, will be giving up his Southeast Missourian route soon. You should know that a diligent search will be required to find someone who measures up to the high standards established by Jimmy over the last 20 years. His note advising us of his retirement was received with regret for the excellent service I will miss -- unless his replacement always smiles and has a positive word when we pass on the sidewalk. His replacement will need to know that my paper arrives before sunrise most days and is seldom more than eight inches from my door. His replacement will need to be a friend to his customers' children and pets.

Jimmy has always been a neighborhood watchman. Whenever I neglected to have you hold delivery while I was on vacation, Jimmy noticed the papers hadn't been picked up and collected them for me. He would leave a note and make a special delivery of the papers when I returned. Inclement weather never stopped Jimmy, and if there was ever a chance for rain or snow, the paper was bagged and sealed.

Jimmy Stone's replacement follows a man who sets a great example of service that is becoming harder and harder to find these days. I know Jimmy will find success in the future because of his work ethic, and I wish him the best of luck.

BOB BOHNSACK, Cape Girardeau