Employee Spotlight: Jim Eagan

Jim Eagan whistles while he drives. He also sings and shares funny stories, including one-liners.

"I used to do stand-up, but my knees gave out," Eagan quipped as he steered Bus 909 around the circle in front of Duke Chapel.

Eagan, a retired New York State Trooper, joined Duke's Parking & Transportation Services about four years ago. Since then, his morning route between East and West campus has become the closest thing to an evening at a comedy club for many Duke faculty, staff, students and visitors.

On a recent morning, Eagan was swapping friendly jokes and serenading passengers with Irish folk songs, one of which drew applause from a student who requested an encore.

"He's very entertaining, and he's also nice enough to wait for you if you're rushing to catch the bus," said Margaret Brill, a reference librarian who rides Eagan's bus to Perkins Library.

Eagan's jovial nature recently helped him earn a "Duke Excellence Team" award from members of Duke Student Government's community interaction committee. Eagan was among seven non-faculty employees recognized for creating a positive environment for students. Other winners included Angie Bowes (Student Activities and Facilities); Iris Googe (East Campus housekeeping); Tiana Flores (West Campus housekeeping); Wallace Burrows (Dining Services, Marketplace); Corliss "Faye" Keith (Residence Life); and Arthur Brodie (Dining Services, Great Hall).

Daniel Bowes, a senior who helped organize the award, said students launched the program because they wanted to express their appreciation to employees such as Eagan.

"When we asked students to nominate someone who made their lives a little easier and brighter, we got an overwhelming response of 255 nominations," Bowes told about 200 employees and students who attended a banquet in April. "There were so many depictions of friendships among the students and employees, which made it really difficult to narrow it down."

In Eagan's nomination, students commended his kindness and friendly nature. One student said riding Eagan's bus is "just like hanging out with your favorite uncle every morning."

Peter Murphy, assistant director of Duke transit, said Eagan's ability to "put almost anyone at ease," is a true asset. "Having a good personality is very important for a bus driver because it eases the difficulty of the job and makes the ride much more enjoyable for everyone," Murphy said.

Eagan, who was in law enforcement for 20 years, used his wit to write a humorous advice book, "A Speeder's Guide to Avoiding Tickets," published by Avon books in 1991. But he isn't bound for Hollywood any time soon.

"I already know I shouldn't quit my day job," he said.