MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
A Division Of The
Department of Public Safety
Public Information and Education Division - PO Box 568 - Jefferson City, MO 65102

NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Capt. J. Tim Hull
(573) 526-6115
February 17, 2010
Q1102
EMPHASIS: Colonel James F. Keathley Retires


Colonel James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announced January 7, 2010 that he will retire effective March 1, 2010. Colonel Keathley retires with 33 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Missouri.

Colonel Keathley was appointed to the Patrol as a commercial vehicle inspector in 1977. On July 8, 1979, he entered the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy in Jefferson City, as a member of the 50th Recruit Class. After being commissioned in graduation ceremonies on December 7, 1979, he was assigned to Troop E, Zone 3, Lutesville, MO. On September 1, 1985, he transferred to the Division of Drug and Crime Control, Troop E Unit. He was promoted to corporal on July 1, 1987; sergeant on June 1, 1990; and lieutenant on December 1, 1992. He was promoted to captain on June 1, 1994, and designated director of the Division of Drug and Crime Control. He became the commander of the Criminal Investigation Bureau on September 1, 2001, at which time he was promoted to the rank of major. Colonel Keathley was promoted to colonel and assumed the responsibilities of superintendent on September 1, 2006.

Colonel Keathley was born in Cape Girardeau, MO. He graduated from Marquand-Zion High School in Marquand, MO, in 1971. He earned a bachelor’s of science degree in biology and agriculture from Southeast Missouri State University in 1976. He is married and has two sons, both of whom are members of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Corporal Lonnie J. Keathley is assigned to Troop C, St. Louis. Trooper Jeremie L. Keathley is assigned to Troop I, Rolla. Colonel Keathley also has two stepsons, Clay Farris and Keith Farris, both of Heber Springs, Arkansas, who are employed by Sentinel, Inc., of Heber Springs, Arkansas.