Like a taciturn cowboy in a Hollywood Western movie, longtime editor and reporter Jack “Miles” Ventimiglia kept his remarks brief as he rode off into the sunset, metaphorically speaking, by retiring.

Ventimiglia – who began working in journalism in 1980 and worked at various Midwestern newspapers, including four years with this newspaper – officially bid farewell with his retirement party June 16 at Hometown Pizza in Richmond. The gala included state Rep. Peggy McGaugh reading to and presenting him a copy of a resolution passed by the Missouri House of Representatives honoring him for his years of service.

After the reading of the resolution, Ventimiglia commented: “I’m not much … (on) giving any kind of talks because I really feel like I don’t have a whole lot to say, but I will say thank you. This is very nice for you guys to do and I appreciate it very much.”

Publisher Brian Rice and McGaugh expressed their appreciation for Ventimiglia. Rice said that working with Ventimiglia has pushed his respect for journalism “to a whole new level.”

“I have a (higher) respect for journalism,” he said. “I have a (higher) respect for business. … ‘The Journalist’s Creed’ – now, I can put a face to that. Jack followed that. He was true to that. Even in unpopular times, Jack didn’t waiver.”

Rice expects his friendship with Ventimiglia to continue after Ventimiglia’s retirement. Moreover, Ventimiglia will always be on Rice’s list of people who have mentored him, he said.

McGaugh also expressed respect for Ventimiglia’s integrity.

“This guy was a blessing to this area and to the Richmond newspaper because it was always the truth (he told),” she said.

As stated in the resolution, the truth-telling journalist rides off into the sunset with a plethora of honors in tow, including membership in the Missouri Press Association Hall of Fame. He was inducted in September 2021 during the association’s annual conference, held at The Elms Hotel and Spa in Excelsior Springs.