Jim Hedge of Marion is still going strong after celebrating his 100th birthday on Feb. 21. The former Navy sailor says the secret to his longevity is “clean living. No drugs, alcohol or smoking. Stay young in spirit and do healthy things. Early to be bed, early to rise!”
100th Birthday A Big Celebration
Hedge also recommends surrounding oneself with good friends. Many joined him for his 100th birthday at Primrose Retirement Community. In addition to Hedge’s niece, friends, and neighbors, many Marion notables came to wish Hedge well.
“May your 100th birthday be as magnificent as the life you’ve lived,” said Sheriff Matt Bayles.
Mayor Bill Collins and the Marion County Commissioners passed resolutions declaring Feb. 21 to be “Jim’s Day.”
The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 7201 found out that Hedge’s favorite foods included shrimp cocktail and homemade onion soup and brought his favorites to his party.
While old friends mingled with members of local law enforcement, Hedge said, “The party was good!”
Jim Hedge Starts on a Family Farm
Niece Cheryl Slevin came to visit from Hedge’s birthplace of Caldwell, Ohio. Hedge grew up on a family farm there with his two sisters and three brothers.
The Navy Beckons During World War II
Hedge graduated from Belle Valley High School in 1943 at age 18. He then volunteered to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II. That September, he started basic training on the Great Lakes.
“It was cold!” Hedge recalls.
From there, the farm boy was stationed on a ship overseas.
“I got to see the world!” Hedge recalls. “I saw about everything in the Atlantic and the Pacific and the occupation of Japan.”
Veteran Has Close Call
Hedge served as a gunner and loader for the gunner. During one night battle outside Japan, Hedge felt something graze his pants. He looked down and there was a piece of metal shrapnel about 8” long and 3” wide sticking out of his pant leg.
“Luckily, I didn’t get a scratch. The good Lord has taken care of me!” Hedge said.
V-J Day Brings Joy
When victory over Japan was declared, Hedge was ecstatic.
“What greater news could there be!” Hedge remembered, raising two thumbs up. “I love America!”
After serving for three years, Hedge ended his military career as a Seaman 1st class. He then enlisted in the merchant Marines.
“I loved being a sailor!” Hedge said. “They said a sailor has a girl in every port. I didn’t believe that.”
Blind Date Leads to Love
Eventually, Hedge returned home. A cousin set Jim up on a blind date at the Coshocton County Fair with the woman who became the love of his life. Anna Louise Roahrig. Hedge suspected she was something special. However, Anna Louise knew Jim was the one.
“She said, ‘That’s mine!” and she never let me go,” Hedge said with a smile. “She knew I was the one. I was a little slower.”
They married March 14, 1952. They moved to Richwood, Ohio to farm corn and soybeans. Hedge worked at the electric substation. Anna Louise had worked for Ohio Power and The Columbus Dispatch. When they bought their farm, Anna Louise jumped right in.
“She’d go out and run the tractor while I worked. She’d do whatever was needed. She’d put on her coveralls and away she’d go!” Hedge recalled. “She was a hard worker and a good person. She was just a sweetie. We had a good life together.”
The couple was married for 59 years until Anna Louise died in 2011.
“We had a decades-long friendship. You have to work at it!” Hedge said.
Centenarian Offers Advice to Young Couples
Hedge advises young people not to jump into marriage too soon.
“Think twice,” Hedge advises. “You may not be ready for two opinions instead of one. When the right woman comes along, it’s a godsend.”
Jim also encourages others to eat three square meals a day and and nap each afternoon.
Throughout wars, economic recessions and the Great Depression, and other highs and lows, Hedge credits his friends and his faith for carrying him through.
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