James Underwood’s 37-year career began with a one-day hiring event.

After completing seminary school, his wife, transit planner Karen Underwood, suggested he apply. He planned to work part-time as an operator and be a part-time pastor. Once behind the wheel, however, he found a wealth of opportunity to help others beyond a church setting.

“I feel like a rich man – one in experience, teachers, and friends,” Underwood said. “It’s the real life onboard a bus, and it’s a place I’ve been a positive influence in the world.”

Underwood began at the Old Snelling Garage, then went to East Metro for the rest of his career operating local routes. Throughout his career, he always sought local routes due to the variety of passengers onboard and the chance to build relationships with regular customers. “People need to be seen and feel loved – there’s not a lot out there,” he said. “Just saying a few kind words or a small gesture for a customer goes a long way, and it helps build community onboard.”

That sense of community helped him many times deal with unruly passengers and de-escalate people having a bad day. When someone decided to sit on the bike rack and not move – two customers stood with Underwood to persuade the person to leave. When a young customer was cursing loudly, a customer from that youth’s community spoke to him after Underwood kindly asked him to stop. And when a regular customer was having an extremely bad day, a small gesture of kindness is still remembered decades later.

On Jan. 4, 2022, he’ll make his last trip operating Route 74. While he says goodbye to the transit community, he hopes to continue building community in retirement. He plans to do more ministry, music, and looks forward to the day when his wife joins him in retirement.