Wimsatt celebrates 106th birthday

James “Jim” Leonard Wimsatt celebrated his 106th birthday in style Wednesday.

Wimsatt enjoyed cruising with a police escort to downtown Owensboro in George Goetz’s beautiful 1956 Ford Victoria before returning to Chautauqua Health and Rehabilitation — his residence for about the last seven years — where family, friends, staff and local officials greeted his arrival in the dining hall by singing “Happy Birthday.”

“This has been as great, wonderful day,” said Wimsatt, who had well-wishers standing along the route cheering him on as we waved back. “I thought it was great, wonderful; a lot of people waving.”

Wimsatt said it’s “fantastic” being 106, and he was amazed at the outpouring of affection. “It was overwhelming; I can’t find words to describe how wonderful it was,” he said. “It was like coming home from the war. It was such a good feeling.”

Wimsatt, the middle child of 13, grew up in Hartford before his family moved to Owensboro during his youth. He attended Daviess County High School, where he met his late wife, Gertrude “Trudy” Wimsatt.

Wimsatt served in World War II. He was stationed overseas for three years, mostly in Italy, and witnessed the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 1944. When Trudy Wimsatt died in July 2022 at the age of 101, the Wimsatts had been married 77 years.

“I just think he’s the most sincere person,” said Julie Garvin, Wimsatt’s great niece. “He’s always taught us how to live our life and has always set a really good example for how you should live. He taught us right from wrong, how to treat people, and he’d make sure we went to church. He was very big on family, getting together and standing by each other.”

Wimsatt received one of the biggest surprises of his lifetime Tuesday when his sister, Frances ingersoll, arrived from her home in Dallas to join the festivities.

“It meant everything to him for her to come,” Garvin said. “(Tuesday), I said, ‘Can you believe Frances came all the way from Texas to see you?,’ and he said, ‘I could turn flips.’ ”

Wimsatt’s affection for his sister was evident as they sat together at the party, with him often reaching out to hold her hand.

“I’m always glad to see my sister,” he said. “

She’s pretty special to me. I could hug her.”

Lee Steele, Chautauqua Health and Rehabilitation’s admissions director, said staff were thrilled to be able to plan and host the special event.

“This is exciting for everybody,” he said.

“The residents will get involved, all of the staff is involved, the city is involved.

“We’re celebrating his history as a veteran, his history as a long-term artist and citizen here in Owensboro.

“It’s a good day.”

Wimsatt, an accomplished artist, had his paintings placed throughout the dining hall, along with pictures from throughout his life.

Steele said hearing the stories behind many of the pictures is an amazing experience.

“How do you not sit at a table with him at lunch or dinner, or just in the lobby, and not listen to all of the stories that he can tell and not be amazed at the things he’s seen, the places he’s been, the people he’s met?,” Steele said.

Wimsatt said it was impossible to truly express how he felt about the celebration.

“There are no words to describe how I feel,” he said.

But Wimsatt didn’t need words to convey he thoughts when it was mentioned there was still birthday cake to be eaten.

“I had forgotten about that,” he said as a huge smile crossed his face. “Great.”