Jim Walker of Greece recently celebrated his 104th birthday with his friends and family. Jim has lived most of his life in the Northeast. His life began in 1915 in Orange, New Jersey, and his career led him to the Boston, Massachusetts area where he and his wife raised their family. When Jim retired, he and his wife of 55 years moved to Cape Cod. After his wife passed away, Jim came to Greece to be close to his daughter Ann.
Jim’s career was in the insurance industry, but he also served in the Army for four years during World War II. He wishes more young people would enlist in the military. “It would be good for them and good for our country,” Jim said. He recalls how different it was when he and fellow service members came back from deployment during his era compared to now. “There were no parades or celebrations. We just came home and hung up our uniforms and went to work,” he said. Jim had the privilege of being part of Honor Flight and went to Washington, DC, to visit the memorials for the different wars. “I was very impressed,” he said.
Jim was an avid golfer up until very recently. He would be out on the golf course three to four times a week, and Sunday was always his day to golf with his wife. Jim continues to be independent and was even driving his car until last year. Over two years, he only put 1,800 miles on his last car, with most of his trips being to Wegmans, doctor appointments, and Best Buy.
Jim has seen some incredible advancements in technology in his 100-plus years. He was born at a time when telephone technology was young, the year of his birth being the year long-distance calling across the country was first invented. Jim grew up in a time where phone calls were rotary dialed with a switchboard operator connecting the two parties. Now, Jim has his own iPhone, on which he likes to text and Facetime his family. According to Jim’s neighbor, MaryAnn Vaccaro, “He is a great conversationalist and is always up to date on news and sports, especially his favorite team, the Yankees.”
Jim enjoys living his golden years in Greece, and he especially likes his neighborhood, Villas of Fieldstone. “The people here are very nice and helpful. They look out for me. Greece is a delightful community,” he said. The Town of Greece will be honoring Jim Walker at a Proclamation Ceremony in December.
