Tamaroa native turning 100; party upcoming at Manor at Mason Woods

The Manor at Mason Woods will be celebrating James Weisel's 100th birthday Sept. 27.

The Pinckneyville senior living community will play host to an open house birthday party at 6 p.m. that evening. Cards may be sent to James Weisel, c/o Manor at Mason Woods, 223 Illinois St. in Pinckneyville.

When asked what it feels like to be turning 100, Weisel replied, "It's been a long life, but I'm glad to be here."

Weisel was born and raised in Tamaroa. He had one brother, Kenneth, and four sisters, Mildred, Alma, Lela and Helen.

Weisel was in the service from 1941 to 1945. For two and a half years, he was stationed in the Fiji Islands and Guadalcanal. He also worked on the railroad and for the state.

When Weisel returned from the service, he met his wife, Mabel. Together, they had two sons: Ray and Harold. Weisel has four grandchildren: Amanda (Jason) Harris, Jeremy (Rhonda) Weisel, Eric Weisel and Brad Weisel. He also has five great-grandchildren: Shelby, Emily, Casey, Lukas and Treyton.