Yes, a low side switch would also work. I have several of those also on small breakout boards, but it is safer to work on the down stream equipment with a high side switch. That's the only reason... well, that and to see if I could actually design one that worked.
As far as the diode: I understand. I knew the kickback was bad, so I knew I needed a diode, but I wasn't sure if it would be acceptable to locate it away from the relay. I have not done much industrial automation work and what little I have done has been on the power side of things - not controls. However, I have seen many a relay cabinet but I do not recall seeing many (if any) diodes on the relays. They may have been mounted on terminal blocks inside the cabinet somewhere, but isn't that pretty much the same thing I'm talking about doing? Is there a standard practice for industrial automation with respect to the diodes? With the understanding that it is best to place it ON the relay, is it typical/standard to place it in some remote (albeit nearby) location?
Thanks for the info.