A World War 2 Veteran celebrates 100 years of age

5 years ago

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SARASOTA – A decorated Suncoast World War two veteran turned 100 years old on Sunday. James T Murphy is still going strong in his 100^th year of life. He joined the United States Army Signal Corps in 1942. His personal mission? Fight for his country and defeat Hitler.

“Hitler was going to be stronger and stronger if you didn’t stop him,” James T. Murphy said. “He was out to become the master of the world.”

He wishes it didn’t have to be that way though.

“War is really hell. It’s about as bad as people can make the world, is have wars,” Murphy said. “If we had our differences, and could sit down and solve them without having to go to war.”

The memories never go away.

“Oh yea, those memories,” Murphy said. “Oh those memories are in your brain. Imprinted in your brain.”

When the war ended, Murphy was overjoyed.

“Wonderful, fantastic! Oh boy,” Murphy said.

While the war was bad, he found happiness. He believes the key to a long life is staying positive.

“It would be such a wonderful world if we emphasize some good things once in a while.”

And to have a sense of humor.

“I tell them, how did you become a hundred? Just keep breathing,” Murphy said.

Murphy’s friend, Jason Teller, says he is sharp for his age.

“For 100 years old, he is one of the wittiest persons I have ever met,” Jason Teller said. “He is very sharp, very wise, quick on the draw, so it just goes to prove 100 years is just a number to him.”

“I never expected to reach it,” Murphy said. “It’s a surprise to me as much as anybody else that I lived to be a hundred.”

Murphy was awarded the Bronze Star in 1945 for his service. He was married to Agnes for 66 years. Together, they had two adopted sons. She passed three years ago.