Alabama WWII Veteran turns 100 on Fourth of July
U.S. Army and World War II Veteran James G. Minor turns 100 years old on America’s Independence Day, July 4, 2022.
The Guntersville VA Clinic threw Minor a surprise celebration for his 100th birthday. The Birmingham VA Health Care System gifted Minor with a framed certificate representing his significant milestone and a video message from the Executive Director, Dr. Oladipo Kukoyi.
“The VA does a good job 100%, especially here in Guntersville,” Minor said, grinning as his primary care doctor and nurses stood by his side.
Additionally, the American Legion Post 255 presented Minor with a folded American flag and the flag of the U.S. Army. Also, because Minor is an avid angler, Cabela’s donated a fishing box kit for his birthday.
Century of Life
When asked what his secret is to a long life, Minor said, “Well, I don’t really know. I just love the Lord, and he loves me. He’s what gives me a long life.”
His daughter, Zaneta (Zee), whom he resides with, said that he never drank alcohol or coffee, didn’t smoke cigarettes, and never really had any bad habits throughout his life.
While recalling his time in service, Minor said, “I had a good time. We were just trying to win the war, and we did.”
Time in Service
Minor was drafted into the U.S. Army Infantry during WWII in 1942, just months after getting married to the love of his life. He spent most of his time in service in Italy and Germany as a skillful mechanic. Due to his exceptional work ethic, General Alexander Patch selected Minor as his driver – a dangerous job as high-ranking service members are an enemy target. After the war ended in 1945, General Patch made sure that Minor returned home to his family in Alabama.
Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Minor finally reunited with his wife Ruby in Alabama. He then attended a school for electrical training in Birmingham, and after his training, he worked as a mechanic on large aircraft and even learned how to fly them to understand to fix them better.
Family
Minor and Ruby were married for 78 years before she passed away from an illness a few years ago. They had three daughters together and took them traveling as much as possible. Zee said her parents always made sure life was an adventure for them, so she makes sure her dad is still having an experience of some kind today.
For Minor’s 100th birthday, his family threw a party to celebrate him with 73 close family and friends in attendance.
“Everyone loves my daddy, and to see him still going on and loving life,” said Zee.
Minor would joke to his family every year while fireworks burst on the Fourth of July, “You hear that? Everyone is celebrating my birthday.”
To this day, Minor still loves to get out of the house and go fishing. He’s a man of few words, but his spirit and attitude towards life speak volumes.
Watch the video of his birthday celebration at this link: https://www.facebook.com/BirminghamVAHCS/videos/485446563266171/