WWII Veteran Turns 100 and Fulfills Lifelong Dream of Skydiving, Surrounded by Family

Jimmy Hernandez, a 100-year-old U.S. Navy veteran, celebrated a truly unforgettable milestone on August 29—he went skydiving for the very first time, fulfilling a dream he had carried in his heart for decades.

For Jimmy, the jump was not just about adrenaline or adventure. It was a testament to a life of courage, resilience, and family devotion. The WWII veteran was joined by his son Andrew and grandson Santiago, with other family members watching from below, their hearts swelling with pride and joy as Jimmy prepared for the leap.

Jimmy recalls being inspired by seeing former President George H. W. Bush skydive, and he approached his own jump with a mix of excitement, nerves, and deep reflection.

“I thought that this could be my last day, but if so, I have lived a full life,” Jimmy told PEOPLE.

Though he admits that his landing “was not the best,” the moment was perfect in every other way. Jimmy’s joy was amplified by the presence of family and friends, who had come from near and far to share in his centenary celebration.

“I was honored that my cousins, friends from Oregon, nieces, nephews, children, and grandchildren all came out to see me,” he said.

For his family, witnessing Jimmy take this leap of a lifetime was profoundly moving.

“It felt fulfilling to honor the commitment we had made to complete the jump,” said his grandson Santiago.
“I was proud to be a part of this jump and happy that I could share it with my father and my son,” added Andrew.

Jimmy’s life has been a living lesson in love, courage, and perseverance. When asked what he has taught them, Santiago answered simply but powerfully:

“To love, and to love often. Love everyone.”

Andrew echoed his son’s sentiment:

“My pop has instilled in me the importance of family. We have a large family spread out across the country, but we make time for gatherings, including our annual reunion and golf tournament. He has shown us that family is the greatest treasure.”

Born in 1925, Jimmy served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After the war, he returned to California and built a life grounded in hard work and dedication. Over the years, he became the father of 12 children, and his family has now grown to include more than 120 descendants.

Jimmy’s advice for younger generations is simple, yet profound:

“Work hard, live clean, respect people, and help the poor.”

And when asked the secret to reaching 100 years of life, Jimmy said with characteristic humility:

“Working hard. I was 65 when I retired from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, and I continued to help my son with side jobs. Life is meant to be lived, and I’ve always done my best to keep moving forward.”

Jimmy Hernandez’s centennial skydiving jump is more than a thrilling stunt—it is a celebration of a century of courage, family love, and unbreakable spirit. It is a reminder that it is never too late to chase your dreams, and that the greatest adventures are often shared with the ones we love most.