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Isle of Man resident still enjoying life at 107

Picture credit: Manx Radio

Centenarian shares his secret to a long and happy life

Over the weekend, the Isle of Man's oldest resident turned another year older!

Jim Parkes, who resides at Southlands Care Home in Port Erin reached the Milestone on Saturday (19 September) and celebrated with one of his three sons, David and friends in the home.

Born in London in 1919, Jim spent his early childhood in Hampstead with his parents and three siblings. 

At the age of 19, he began working in the gas industry, at the company then known as the Gas Light and Coke Company and was called up to the Royal Air Force when the Second World War broke out, serving until 1946 before returning to his career.

In September 1951 Jim married his wife, Joan, and together they built a wonderful family life, with three sons, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. 

After Joan passed away in 2015, Jim continued to live independently in Hertfordshire before later moving to the Isle of Man to be closer to family.

Speaking to Manx Radio on Saturday, the centenarian says he started his birthday morning, as he normally does, with a walk. 

He also shared the secret to a long and happy life:

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