Jim Human first fell in love in the 1940s, when his father took him for a drive to Vandeventer Place. “Those grand old structures, built from granite and brick—I’d never seen anything so amazing!” He worked for the family business, Human Bros. Hardware, right out of college, but remained fascinated by architecture and spectacular homes. “One day Mr. Edward Bakewell, our family realtor, asked me to work for him,” he recalls. That was 60 years ago. “I was the top agent for most of my more than 50 years at Bakewell, and was delighted when we merged with Janet McAfee.” Human grew up in Clayton, spent 18 years in a grand old home in the Central West End, and then returned to Clayton, where he now lives with his wife. They have four children and eight grandchildren.
[boyhood dreams]
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a doctor, movie star or cowboy.
[first sale]
A house in the Central West End, for $18,000. When we sold it again in 2012, it listed for $580,000 and sold the first week.
[aha moment]
I knew I was in the right business the minute I started at Bakewell. I loved showing property and handing over the keys to new buyers.
[biggest sale ever]
So far, somewhere over $2 million.
[what he likes most about his job]
Feeling satisfied I’ve done the best for my clients, whether it’s a $200,000 or $3 million home. WHAT HE LIKES LEAST Paperwork!
[time to unwind]
Stress is part of every job, and real estate is no exception. My wife is very understanding and listens to my problems. I get things off my chest, and that’s that.
[hobbies]
I like to cook. I’m also a great reader, and a lot of books in my library focus on architecture and the City of St. Louis.
[crash goes the market]
When the real estate bubble burst a few years ago, I just did my thing as always. The market is much healthier now. You can tell by the phone calls, the sales and the temperament of buyers.
[my kind of town]
I like everything about living in St. Louis—except there are no beaches.
[teamwork]
The best decision I ever made was taking on an associate, Kevin Hurley, in 1995. He has been a godsend to me. He’s very good at negotiation, marketing, detail and paperwork. What’s more, he’s charming and a true gentleman. Without his help and friendship, I couldn’t do what I do.
[talent i wish i had]
I don’t wish. I always wanted to be the best at real estate. That’s still what motivates me, even after all these years.
Pictured: Jim Human and real estate partner Kevin Hurley
Photo: Bill Barrett
