Audrey James praises God, friends for 101 years
Mar. 15—"Bless you God and God bless everyone here and not here," Audrey James said holding her hands aloft while surrounded by well wishers.
More than 100 years ago — 101 to be exact — Warren G. Harding occupied the White House, soon to be replaced later that same year by Calvin Coolidge; the Hollywood sign, originally spelling out Hollywoodland, went up; the USSR established; Time published its first issue; the Yankees won the world series while the Canton Bulldogs won their second consecutive NFL championship and Jacob Schick invented the first electric shaver.
Meanwhile in Oklahoma — itself a U.S. state of a mere 16 years at the time — James was born, in Hugo, Oklahoma, to be exact.
Wednesday found James at her home of the past several years, Ridgeview Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing Center, surrounded by fellow residents, staff members and other friends.
The occasion was James' 101st birthday, she being one of two Ridgeview residents to have passed the century mark.
"She's been a joy and a blessing to all of us here," Ridgeview Community Outreach Director Teri Castanuela said.
Others agree.
"She's an amazing lady," fellow Ridgeview resident Marie Beamer said. "She's up and about and still walks through the whole building everyday. She also loves to put puzzles together standing up."
Surrounded by banners, balloons and other festive paraphernalia, James remains strong in spirit and voice.
"What a beautiful cake!" James exclaimed upon seeing her huge birthday cake. "It looks like a book."
James especially loved a small floral ceramic jewelry box topped by a bunny, one of several of her birthday gifts.
Several congregated in Ridgeview's dining area as James held court to share memories, shake her hand and wish her happy birthday followed by a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday" and lunch.
During her 100th birthday celebration last year, also at Ridgeview, James spoke of her love of Christian music and "I Love Lucy" while sharing memories of playing volleyball in her younger days and beaming pride over her grandson's high school football play.
"I was born in Hugo, Oklahoma," James said. "Really though, I spent my life everywhere. My husband was in the service and was sent to Germany twice so me and our children went with him there."
Although she misses her husband, James said she holds fond memories of their life together, the two children they raised and her grandchildren.
