Moore County employees said a warm farewell Monday to the man one county commissioner facetiously credited with “keeping us out of jail” for the past 13 years — former County Attorney Jim Holshouser.

But, in keeping with the former governor’s big sense of humor, the affair was highlighted with laughter, rather than tears.

Nevertheless, Holshouser did say he would keep his remarks brief, as the best way to avoid choking up.

“I’ve had a lot of fun with a lot of things in my life, but this experience was one of the most wonderful,” the attorney said.

That was meaningful, because Holshouser’s career spans a term as governor, service in the state legislature and a fulltime law practice, as well as service on the University of North Carolina Board of Governors and chair of the St. Andrews Presbyterian College Board of Trustees.

“It has been a joy — most of the time,” Holshouser said, pausing just long enough to draw laughter from everyone attending the reception held following the Monday meeting of the Moore County Board of Commissioners.

“It has been a challenge,” he continued. “You made sure of that. You’re part of a great organization, with a high degree of professionalism. You have a lot to be proud of.”

County Manager David McNeill made two presentations to Holshouser — a gift of golf clothing and paraphernalia from the employees, and a crystal pyramid award as a recognition from the county.

McNeill said he and other county employees had observed Holshouser wearing the same outfit on the golf course over a period of years. The golf shirt was an effort to enhance his golfing attire.

The crystal pyramid was inscribed to mark Holshouser’s 13 years of dedicated service as county attorney. The unusual award bears an image of the county’s historic courthouse.

Hundreds of county personnel crowded into the small reception area in the new county attorneys’ offices in the Courthouse Square building across the street from the courthouse. These offices now accommodate Holshouser’s successor, Lesley Moxley, who is the first full-time county attorney, and two attorneys serving the county Social Services and Child Support Enforcement agencies.

Holshouser told the county employees that they would be in good hands with Lesley Moxley as county attorney.

“I tell Lesley the same thing I tell (UNC president) Molly Broad: ‘I’m with you all the way. Just don’t screw up,’ ” Holshouser said.

Holshouser greeted everyone personally in the informal receiving line. Highlighting the refreshments was an enormous cake iced with purple flowers and green leaves and saying “Thank You Governor.”

At a June meeting, Holshouser announced that he is resigning as county attorney because the position has become so time-consuming that he has little time left to devote to his law practice. He recommended that the county employ a fulltime attorney.

Moxley, a former member of his law firm, had been assisting him with the county’s legal responsibilities, which include everything from drawing up contracts, leases and resolutions to handling litigation.

The county has not seen the last of Holshouser. He has agreed to remain on the staff as a consultant in coming months and will be available to advise the commissioners, the county administration and Moxley on special issues.