A servant of the court, a bailiff is tasked with escorting individuals, aiding in the overseeing of procedures and generally providing support during legal proceedings.

Gordie Jones enjoys his work; he's learned some things about the legal system, and he finds his part-time job interesting. But for Jones, perhaps the best thing about being a bailiff is that it has almost nothing to do with writing.

Previously a sportswriter for over 30 years, Jones has found that his new job provides a change of pace.

"I don't know how I'd describe (being a bailiff)," said Jones, a resident of Lititz. "I don't know if I'd go as far as to call it a second act. I still do some writing and that speaks to what I like to do. (Being a bailiff is) just something that interests me. I learn something new every day. It's a complete departure from what I've done for so long. It's certainly a new challenge."

Jones works at the Lancaster County Courthouse, 50 N. Duke St., Lancaster. Officially, he is assigned to David Ashworth, a judge of the Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas, but his bailiff duties take him to multiple courtrooms.

"I saw an ad for it, it sounded like something I could do, and it sounded interesting," said Jones. "It's intriguing because you get to see a side of the law you never saw before. Some days you see things that are sad and disturbing, but other days you see things that are uplifting. There's fairness. There's compassion."

"I worked nights forever and this is during the day," he added. "I never had to wear a tie before, so this is something different."

A popular and respected Lancaster County sportswriter for 22 years, from 1981 to 2003, Jones left the locale for a writing position in Allentown that allowed him to cover the Philadelphia Eagles and express himself through columns and feature articles. Then, over the next 10 years, he freelanced for more than 30 media outlets.

"I'm always grateful to hear feedback like that," said Jones of the respect he is afforded in the regional sportswriting community. "I know I'm not conquering cancer, but every time I sit down to write, I do the best I can. If people don't like it, well, I'll try to do better tomorrow."

Jones, who graduated from Milton Hershey School and Gettysburg College, still writes on his own time at his own pace, about four times a week for a handful of local publications and online outlets. When he's not enjoying travel with his wife, Jones also produces a podcast with fellow veteran sportswriter Mike Gross titled "After the Buzzer."

"I still like to keep my hands in it," said Jones of his writing. "I still like to pursue stories. It's nice to have the time to sink your teeth into subjects. It still scratches an itch. It's right about where I need to be."

That's what semi-retirement looks like for Gordie Jones. At 66, he continues to evolve as a person, yet not quite ready for the next professional step - retirement.

"I think about what's left in the tank," said Jones. "You'd like to think you can do it (write) as long as your health allows. I know I can still do it. I enjoy doing it. I always have, and hopefully always will. I always think about purpose and having a good reason to get out of bed in the morning, whether it's writing or 'bailiff-ing.' I just sort of take it as it comes. It's a day-by-day proposition."