Lake Bluff Post Office will Miss James' Unique Customer Service

After 22 years of service, own singing post office employee, Gary James, is taking his unique brand of customer service to Glenview.

While calculating postage rates and advising on distribution options, James manages to transform a lackluster errand into an interesting excursion.

“I have known Gary for the last 20 years,” said Lake Bluff resident Stuart Gold. “He makes it fun to come to the post office. When I go to Glenview on business, I will visit the post office there.”

James' last day at the Lake Bluff Post Office is Nov. 18. Buying stamps and shipping packages during the upcoming holiday season won't have the same ring to it.

“When were you going to tell me you are going?” exclaimed customer Nancy Gusterine. “Gary cheers up the post office. It is a disappointment that he will be leaving.”

Lake Bluff post office customers often hear live singing in the backroom or James breaking into song while providing front desk service.

“Back in 1992 a supervisor complained about my singing” said James. “When a customer came in and asked for flag stamps, I started singing America the Beautiful and the customer joined in singing it with me.”

James welcomes everyone who enters the Lake Bluff Post Office with the same friendly, “Hello young lady/gentleman” greeting and naturally connects with customers, chatting about their (and his)favorite past times - sports, books and music. 

Before landing at the Lake Bluff post office, James, a Lake County native, worked as a casual postal employee, delivering mail and working in the back room while attending college. Upon graduation he worked for a business firm for a couple years.

“I realized it wasn’t for me” James said. “The Post Office was hiring so I applied and I am still here 22 years later.”

James attributes his service approach to “having the privilege of working with Ed Muto, who was a post office classic here. He showed me the ropes.”

James' favorite part of the job - “gratification I get from helping customers get the right solution for their needs.” 

When James was advised about the transfer, he was given two days to choose between going to Waukegan, Skokie, Evanston or Glenview. James choose Glenview because there will be no Saturday hours. He is planning to continue to bicycle to work a couple days a week and ride the train the other three.

According to Lake Bluff Postmaster John Pullan, James departure is not an indication that the Lake Bluff facility will be closing down. Pullan suggested residents visit the USPS website, to learn the location of the 3,700 post offices across the country currently under review.