But one thing Jim wanted to enjoy at his 108th birthday party more than anything was a nice cold beer.
“The last few weeks I've been quite thirsty,” Jim said with his trademark grin.
“And I said, when I go to my birthday party I've got to have a beer... and it's good, I've been enjoying it.”
Though Jim's birthday was actually on June 17 - making him 108 years and 13 days today - the much-loved man was joined by family and friends at Echuca Hotel on Saturday, June 26 to celebrate the huge milestone.
Jim said it was "absolutely marvellous" to see the many people who came to celebrate with him.
“Quite a few of my relations, and a few friends from various sources are all here, so it's good,” he said.
Jim's son Ian said the parties were always his father's idea, with the milestone man continuing to be "very social".
“Every year since he was 90 he's had a party, and we all come to Echuca,” Ian said.
“Some come from Albury, Melbourne and all get together and virtually have these family reunions.
“There are some pretty noted people here, but Jim will always be the centre of attention. He knows and tells all the stories.”
Jim has been a big part of the twin towns ever since he settled in Echuca in 1952.
“I've been busy, I've had a pretty good life,” he said.
Ian said his father has remained a true go-getter over the years, with Jim also eyeing a return to the bowling greens soon.
“He's very independent. Even now he's living at home,” Ian said.
“He does what he wants to do - it's his way.
“Our mum died a few years ago and ever since he's carried on okay.
“He's a person who has seen some things. He lived through the wars, the depression, the Spanish Flu, and his view of life has always been, ‘stuff happens, but it's not what happens that is important, it's how you deal with it'.
“And what is the secret to life for him? He said ‘you just get up every day'.”
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