Fortuna WW II vet and now centenarian celebrates with community

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FORTUNA, Ca. (KIEM)-Imagine returning from World War II and living to tell your story at the age of one hundred.

A lifetime Fortuna resident who happens to be a military vet, can say he did.

Fire Chief Lon Winburn with Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department says someone like Meade is important the community.

“We’re here to celebrate a hundred-year birthday,” said Winburn. “For a very important person.”

And important he is, Jim Meade better known as Jimmy is an accomplished pilot, World War II vet and now can add reaching the age of 100 to his list of achievements.

Achievements recognized by the Fortuna community and beyond.

Fortuna resident and business owner Lisa Hummel said someone like Meade deserves the best.

“He’s just lived an amazing life and because of what’s going on right now,” Hummel said. “He wasn’t able to have his birthday party and I know that a lot of people wanted to celebrate with him.

Hummel made some calls and what happened was about 30 to 40 vehicles showed up to show some love to the man of the hour.

They ranged from a police cruiser to fire vehicles and even military trucks passed Meade as he waved to them one-by-one.

“From the City of Fortuna and the Fortuna Police Department, We’d like to wish a happy birthday Jimmy Meade,” said Lieutenant Matthew Eberhardt.

With a piper, men from the color guard and plenty of cheering, for Jimmy Meade it was a birthday he’ll never forget.

“Shocked, amazed and so pleased, I can’t believe what they’ve done,” Meade said. “I have a lot of people to thank for this, don’t I?

“I go back in history, I have a wife and family that is taking good care of me and I love it, I wish this on everybody,” Meade said.  

What is the secret to his longevity Meade was asked.

“The secret is a nice wife and family,” Meade said.

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