At 100 years old, most people are slowing down. But not Jimmy Hernandez. The World War II veteran from San Luis Obispo, California, just celebrated his milestone birthday by jumping out of a plane — and he’s already talking about doing it again next year.
Not only did he go skydiving, but he also still climbs onto his roof for repairs, drives himself around, and lives independently with his 91-year-old wife, Dora. If you’re wondering what his secret is, Jimmy has a few simple rules he’s lived by for the last century.
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Skydiving
Jimmy says skydiving had been on his mind for a while. Inspired by former President George H.W. Bush, who made birthday jumps in his 80s and 90s, Jimmy decided to take the leap on August 29.
“It wasn’t scary,” he said. “I wanted to do this jump for some time.”
His family was a bit shocked. His granddaughter Vickey Hernandez Farley admits, “I thought he was a little crazy.” But the skydiving turned into a multi-generational event when Jimmy’s son and grandson joined in too.
As far as jumps go, Jimmy has some experience—sort of. He recalls having to leap 18 feet into a pool to qualify for the Navy years ago. “That was pretty high for me, but this is a little different,” he laughed.
Work
One of Jimmy’s key lessons? Work hard. After serving in World War II, he worked as a carpenter for nearly 70 years—starting at 22 and retiring at 91. He supported 12 children through hard work and side jobs, never backing down from responsibility.
Even now, he does maintenance around his mobile home, including crawling underneath it and climbing onto the roof. People ask him to stop, but he simply says, “I can’t stay off the ladder. I do my own stuff.”
Cleanliving
According to Jimmy, living clean is non-negotiable.
“You’ve got to live a clean life and don’t abuse liquor or smoking or even food,” he advises.
He believes in staying active, avoiding excess, and keeping the mind sharp. He avoids sitting around too much and encourages others to keep moving. “You can’t just sit and watch TV because you get fat. You’ve got to exercise.”
Activity
Staying active has been a big part of Jimmy’s life—and it still is. Whether it’s carpentry, yard work, or skydiving, he stays on the move.
His granddaughter says his health and mobility have always amazed the family. With five generations alive, they’re all proud of the genes they’re inheriting.
Longevity runs in the family too. Jimmy’s mom lived to 90, and his aunt reached 102. With that history, he’s hopeful he’ll be making skydiving an annual tradition. “If God keeps me here, I don’t mind jumping every year.”
Enjoyment
Jimmy’s not just about hard work—he knows how to enjoy life too. He loves to dance and even showed off his moves at his 100th birthday party. He cooks steaks, enjoys the occasional shot of tequila, and absolutely loves dessert.
“We always have coffee and pie. I like peach pie and apple pie. A donut once in a while,” he says with a smile.
He also keeps a positive attitude. “You’ve got to live positive. I think that’s the only way to go.”
Family
Perhaps the biggest source of strength and joy in Jimmy’s life is his huge, close-knit family. He’s been married to Dora for 57 years. Together, they raised 12 kids—nine girls and three boys.
Today, the family includes 34 grandchildren, 64 great-grandchildren, and 24 great-great-grandchildren. They have an annual family reunion and are always staying in touch.
Jimmy says his upbringing shaped him. “Love people. That’s what my mom and dad taught us—to love and hug each other. You’ve just got to enjoy life and trust everybody and respect others.”
Jimmy Hernandez has lived through a century of change, but his approach to life has remained simple and grounded. Work hard, stay active, love deeply, and always make time for pie.
FAQs
Did Jimmy really skydive at 100?
Yes, he went skydiving for his 100th birthday.
Does he still work on his house?
Yes, he still climbs his roof and does repairs.
What is his secret to long life?
He credits clean living, hard work, and staying active.
How big is Jimmy’s family?
He has 12 kids and more than 100 descendants.
Will he skydive again?
Yes, he wants to do it again at 101.
