Jim Sterr celebrates 50 years with IDOT

When Jim Sterr started at IDOT in 1975, the average cost of a gallon of gas was 57 cents and the state’s motor fuel tax was 7 cents. Suffice to say, Sterr has seen a lot of changes over the last 50 years.

His first job was communications dispatcher in the District 8 Communications Center, the hub of activity between field personnel, management staff, law enforcement agencies and the general public. 

In 1978, Sterr was promoted to District 8 safety and claims representative, responsible for duties ranging from asset recovery to workers’ compensation claims and investigating and helping defend actions against employees, the department and the state.

“I’m proud to say that the District 8 Office of Highways Project and Implementation was responsible for the development and implementation of the department’s limited duty program,” Sterr said. “We always ran with the motto that our employees deserved to work a fair day for a fair wage and go home safely.”

In 1987, Sterr was again promoted, this time to the position of claims manager in the Office of Chief Counsel in Springfield, which required him and his family to relocate from the Metro East. In 1999, he was made bureau chief of Claims, a position he still holds today. 

“While my current position oversees and supervises all statewide claims activities, the position and bureau function have expanded and evolved over time, serving as the collection and recovery service for damage to state property, rental arrearages and other recoveries department wide. Claims recovers between approximately $8-13 million in revenues annually. Conversely, Claims investigates and supervises the defense of the department and its employees in litigation matters that allegedly arise out of the scope of their employment.”

Sterr’s role also requires him to be deeply involved with the rights of subcontractors and suppliers, especially Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, and he typically gives topic-specific seminars at the department’s Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Reward conference. 

Some days, Sterr says, are more challenging than others. 

“For me, personally, occupational employee death and critical injury cases are the toughest. I will forever remember three of the most challenging and toughest. They have left an indelible imprint in my mind that I doubt will ever fade away and are a grim reminder of why we do what we do.”

Over time, Sterr has witnessed many changes in how the job is done. He applauds the department’s move to a cloud-based risk management tracking and legal matters system, and the development and planned migration of data that will serve the department’s needs now and for decades to come.

Among colleagues, his understanding of the innerworkings of IDOT is matched only by his dedication. His sense of humor also is legendary. 

“Jim Sterr is more than IDOT, but no one cares more about IDOT that Jim. His influence reverberates through the department, whether you realize it or not,” said Mike Prater, IDOT’s chief counsel and Sterr’s supervisor. “He’s a trove of knowledge that could never be replaced. Also, one of the kindest and funniest people. If you ever have a problem, Jim’s there for you. He’s always going to tell it to you straight, even if you don’t want to hear it.”

When you work for one employer for half a century, it’s more than just collecting a paycheck. 

“I hesitate to describe the most rewarding part but the top of the list has to include the trust factor. When I was working in District 8, I was given the name of a Springfield expert on everything. His name was Bob Wise. He was the person who knew almost all the answers. More importantly, he was willing to research the subject and confirm the answers. He always called you back. We became friends. I’ve always tried to aspire to Bob’s attributes of knowledge, service and trust and hope that I can continue to reach for the bar that Bob created.”

Sterr does the job with integrity – and without calling attention to himself.

“Last year, former Secretary Omer Osman, coworkers and several members of the executive team surprised me with a street sign that said ‘Jim Sterr Way’ in recognition of my service. I was humbled and flattered, but very embarrassed. I have always believed that I did my best work without drawing attention to it.

“I have worked for the taxpayers, 10 chief counsels and 14 secretaries. Each one brought different talents to the department. I’ve had the pleasure of being mentored by strong and skilled managers and chief counsels. It’s been a great place for a career.”

Fifty years later, he’s grateful and humble. Like the street sign says, that’s the Jim Sterr way.