94-year-old Minnesota man verified as world’s oldest bus driver

A 94-year-old man from Minnesota, USA, has been verified as the world’s oldest bus driver.

Jim Oppegard (who was 93 when his record was confirmed but has since turned 94) has been driving buses for over half his life.

He enjoyed a 20-year career as a city bus driver before retiring aged 65, but due to boredom he soon resumed working. 

He is currently employed by Northstar Bus Lines, driving a school bus for children with special educational needs.

Jim, a great-grandfather of three, enjoys his job because it keeps him busy and allows him to continue sending money to the Christian ministry his daughter established in Africa.

According to his manager, Jim is the definition of an exemplary employee – he is an extremely safe driver, doesn’t call in sick, and is never late.

Due to his age, he must pass a physical examination and driving evaluation every year.

He says he is “blessed with a healthy body”, which he sustains by taking health supplements and exercising for 45 minutes every day.

Jim took two jobs after coming out of retirement: one driving intercity coaches and another driving a school bus. 

He split his time between both for almost 20 years until he fell and broke his neck aged 84.

He spent four and a half months recovering, after which time he returned to his role as a school bus driver but was let go by the coach company.

“I like working, particularly driving a school bus,” Jim said.

“I have to want to. How many people do you know who want to be working at 94?

“The children can be a challenge but driving them is also a special reward.”

Jim is assisted by a teaching aide who supervises the children, allowing him to concentrate on driving.

His work schedule consists of three hours driving in the morning, followed by a three-hour break, then four more hours driving in the afternoon.

During his break, he parks at the senior cooperative housing where he lives. He is known to everyone there as “the school bus driver”.

“Some have said I am an inspiration to them,” Jim revealed.

“Being a record holder has been lots of fun. I am counted as a celebrity where I live, where I work, at church, and by my family.”

Jeene Sanchez, a dispatcher who has worked with Jim for over 10 years, said: “Jim still has more energy than many of the younger generation of drivers that we employ. I have been truly blessed to have Jim on our team.”

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