Bus driver appreciation day: Chinook’s Edge driver celebrates nearly five decades

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“I graduated from high school in June that year, and a neighbour suggested I get a license and become a spare bus driver,” said Bowhay in a media release. “I started driving when I was 18-years-old and one month. Some of the students on the bus were older than me. Now I am driving some of the children of students I used to drive.”

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When he first started the job, he drove for Mountain View County before Chinook’s Edge became a school division.

He started driving part-time before he became a full time driver and also took a few years off between 1977 and now.

Today, he works full time as a driver taking kids to school at River Valley School and Sundre High School.

What brings him back every school year is the students.

“The kids. You gotta like them kids,” he said with a chuckle. “They can be mischievous, but as long as they know the boundaries it works out okay. The kids think I have a third eye because I don’t just know what’s going on on the road, but with them too. I don’t miss much.”

Corinne Varga, Chinook’s Edge transportation director said Jim prioritizes safety every day.

The dedication and respect he shows to his students, parents and coworkers is incredible,” Varga said.

“Our transportation department was extremely happy to bring Jim back on board. I appreciate all of our drivers as I know first hand what they go through on a daily basis. We have the best team and I couldn’t be more proud.”