LIVINGSTON MAN ENJOYS RETIREMENT JOB AS STREAMLINE BUS DRIVER
by: Whitney Bermes, Chronicle Staff Writer

Jim Sparks wakes up at 4 a.m. every day and makes the commute to Bozeman from his home in Livingston to start his route as a Streamline Bus driver by 6:44 a.m.

“My life has been early rising with all my jobs,” said the 71-year-old retired truck driver.

Between 6:44 a.m. and shortly after 1 p.m. each weekday, Sparks drives a redline bus. Each shift, he drives the route seven times, roughly 68 miles per day.

Sparks, who has lived in Livingston for more than 25 years, started with Streamline in 2007. During his tenure, Sparks has driven most routes in Bozeman, as well as trips between Gardiner and Mammoth and from Bozeman to Bridger Bowl.

“I enjoy the people,” Sparks said of his riders. “You always encounter something different just about every day.”

The grandfather of 11 and great-grandfather of nine said he’s not been in an accident since driving for Streamline.

“I’ve been real fortunate. The Lord has blessed me,” Sparks said.

Sparks’ route is a laid-back route, averaging 35 to 40 people a shift – mainly college students, he said.

While parked in front of the Student Union Building at Montana State University last week, physics professor John Carlsten popped his head in to say hello.

“He’s one of my best riders,” Sparks said with a grin.

Carlsten, an avid Streamline rider, gushed about the Streamline Bus service.

“They’ve got the most wonderful drivers in the world,” Carlsten said before bidding Sparks adieu.

Sparks mentioned several times how much he likes his job. He said he will continue driving a bus in Bozeman until he isn’t physically able to.

“When you enjoy the people you work for, it’s easy to come to work,” Sparks said.

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Whitney Bermes can be reached at wbermes@dailychronicle.com or 582-2648. Follow her on Twitter at @wabermes.

Photography: Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez, Bozeman Daily Chronicle

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