BIOGRAPHY

Jules Théobald was born in Le Robert, Martinique, on 17 April 1909. His family believed he may have been born about two years earlier than his official registration, which was in 1909.

Among his travels were boat trips to neighboring islands, particularly Dominica, where he fathered two children, though he had little contact with them in later years. Jules also had two other children in Martinique. His eldest daughter eventually moved to mainland France but visited him regularly, while his son Christian lived with him and cared for him.

At the age of 110, it was reported that he had retained his humor and zest for life. He remarked, “No fisherman went as far as I did back then,” and added, “If the Good Lord gave me the strength, I would still be working on my canoe.” He vividly recalled miraculous catches and perilous adventures. One story he shared involved a sinking boat. Stranded with one other companion, they spent the night at sea until a plane finally found them near Le Prêcheur. During their ordeal, he survived by catching and eating small fish. At 110, he maintained a hearty appetite and could still recall a few recipes, including one for dried fish marinated with garlic and Indian wood.

Jules Théobald passed away in Fort-de-France, Martinique, on 5 October 2021, at the age of 112 years, 171 days.

RECOGNITION

In April 2019, he celebrated his 110th birthday, becoming the first male supercentenarian from Martinique.

On 18 July 2019, following the passing of 113-year-old Julie Montabord, he became the oldest living person in Martinique, at the age of 110 years, 92 days. He held the title for over two years, until his own passing in October 2021, when he was succeeded by Philomène Fibleuil.

On 13 October 2019, following the passing of 111-year-old Roger Auvin, he became the oldest living man in France, at the age of 110 years, 179 days. Upon his own passing, he was succeeded by Marcel Meys.

At the time of his passing, he was the second-oldest living man in the world, only after Saturnino de la Fuente García.

ATTRIBUTION

* “110 ans et un trophée pour Jules Théobald” – France-Antilles Martinique, 4 November 2019

* “À 110 ans, le Foyalais Théobald est le doyen des Français” – rci.fm, 27 November 2019

GALLERY