J.B. French says goodbye to fulfilling career

RALEIGH - After 30 years in correction and a lot of memories, J.B. French, director of the Division of Prisons, says it’s time for him to start another chapter in his life.

Hundreds of people gathered at a luncheon at Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Jan. 25 to honor French. One by one co-workers and friends took to the stage to reminisce about French’s distinguished career.

"He has been a real warrior for the Department," said Secretary Theodis Beck. "We truly have a better organization because J.B. French passed our way."

JB. French receives the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from Franklin Freeman
J.B. French receives the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from former Correction Secretary Franklin Freeman.

Franklin Freeman, special assistant to Governor Michael F. Easley and former Secretary of Correction, presented French the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. "J.B. French has served this state with dignity, grace, strength, character and a deep spiritual commitment," said Freeman. "In concordance with the order, he has grown great and is never weak."

Bobby Watson, former chief of security, talked about what a pleasure it was to work with French. "J.B. is a special person who has worked in many different capacities," said Watson. "He is loyal, dedicated and has a character that is unsurpassed."

Many others echoed how it was an honor and a privilege to work with someone who brought so much dignity to the profession. "I am so proud of the things you have accomplished," said Nathan Rice, former warden at Central Prison.

French, touched by the praise, said he could not have accomplished so much without help. He went through a long list of people offering his thanks. He then offered a challenge to everyone. "I challenge you to operate with integrity, to strive for excellence and to treat everyone with respect," said French.

French says he has always tried to give the job his best and his all and he hopes he has done that. He says he has no regrets about his career. He added that when he applied for the position as correctional officer at Central Prison in 1972, he never thought he would work for the department for more than two years. French was fresh out of the army and had just returned from the war in Vietnam. He planned to save some money and go to college.

But, his career took off and 18 months later French was promoted to sergeant. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1980 and three years later he was promoted to captain at Central Prison. Then in 1990 he became deputy warden. "The old Central Prison was an interesting place," said French. "There were big cell blocks, five tiers high and you got good exercise going up and down those tiers."

One of French’s most memorable times in his career was on a Friday in July 1994. He had been warden at Central Prison for two weeks. He got word that two inmates had escaped from the prison in a garbage truck. "We thought they might have been compacted in the trash. I spent Sunday in the landfill in my suit, tie and my Sunday shoes digging through the garbage." The inmates were not in the landfill, but they were eventually found.

Five years later, Secretary Beck named French as director of the Division of Prisons. "To be director has been one of the highest points in my life," said French. "I hope I’ve handled it nobly." He went on to say he had a lot of support. "I could not have asked for five better region directors or administrative staff to carry out my ideas and offer their own." French also expressed praise for Secretary Beck and Chief Deputy Secretary Dan Stieneke.

French says that while there are a lot of times and people he will never forget, he is looking forward to his retirement. "For at least part of February and March, I’m not going to do anything. I just want to see how it feels to do nothing." After that, French plans to fill his time working outdoors gardening. He also belongs to a number of civic organizations and expects to devote some time to them. In addition, French plans to spend time with his wife and three children.