Jim Parkes, the Isle of Man’s oldest resident, celebrated his 107th birthday in Port Erin on 19 September.
James (Jim) Parkes was born in Marylebone, London, on 19 September 1919. During his early childhood, he lived in Hampstead, London, with his parents and three siblings. By the age of 19, he had begun working for the gas industry as a representative. At the time, he was employed by the Gas Light and Coke Company, which was nationalised in 1948 and later became part of what is now British Gas.
When World War II broke out in 1939, he was called up for military service in 1940 and joined the Royal Air Force. He remained in the Air Force until 1946. After the war, he returned to work in the gas industry.
In September 1951, Jim married his late wife, Joan. Together, they had three sons, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. After 40 years of service in the gas industry, he retired in 1979 and enjoyed his retirement with his wife.
He is the oldest known man ever to have lived on the Isle of Man, while the oldest woman is believed to be Doris Watkins (25 November 1902 – 11 November 2011), who died shortly before her 109th birthday.
LongeviQuest extends warm congratulations to Jim Parkes on her 107th birthday.
