Veteran Jim Robinson Celebrated 105th Birthday

The former military officer marked the milestone with a celebration at the National World War II Museum.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Awards

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a brass compass and celebratory cake topper with intricate ironwork shadows on a wooden table, representing a veteran's milestone. — Veteran Jim Robinson, a U.S. Army Air Corps service member who served through the Korean War, celebrated his 105th birthday on Thursday in New Orleans. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Jim Robinson reached the age of 105 on September 24, 2026. The veteran commemorated the occasion in New Orleans with an event featuring cupcakes and a performance by the museum's Victory Belles.

Why it matters

Reaching 105 years of age is a rare milestone that draws attention to the long lives and lasting legacies of military veterans. Celebrating such an anniversary at a national museum serves as a public recognition of his years of service during the mid-20th century.

Jim Robinson was born on September 24, 1921, and served as a radio operator and communications officer. His military career included postings in Greenland, Iceland, and Japan where he endured temperatures as low as 40 degrees below zero.

The players

Jim Robinson

He is a 105-year-old military veteran who served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and later as an Air Force officer.

Victory Belles

This is a vocal trio that performs at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.

National World War II Museum

This institution is a major historical site located in New Orleans dedicated to preserving the story of the American experience in the war.

The details

Robinson, who lives in Mandeville, originally enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in the early 1940s after dropping out of flight school due to vertigo. He served throughout World War II and the Korean War before finally retiring from military service in 1953.

September 24, 1921: Robinson was born in St. Marys, Georgia.
July 1944: Robinson was commissioned in the Army Air Corps.
September 8, 1945: Robinson was discharged from military service.
1953: Robinson retired from the military.
September 24, 2026: Robinson celebrated his 105th birthday.

Philanthropy
Sept. 25
Court Granted WWII Museum Hotel Tax-Exempt Status
Construction
Sept. 23
New Orleans Announced $78 Million VA Facility
Remote Work
Sept. 20
Mayor Moreno Updated New Orleans City Budget

Culture Shift

Public celebrations of centenarian veterans highlight the growing demographic of aging service members who lived through major 20th-century conflicts. This trend reflects a shift in societal focus toward honoring the longevity of those who shaped global history.

The celebration at the museum provides an opportunity for area residents to engage with local history and honor the service of long-standing community members. Such events encourage local participation in honoring senior citizens and preserving the legacy of the World War II era.

The takeaway

Maintaining physical and mental activity into the second century of life is a significant achievement that offers inspiration to many. Families of aging veterans can use such milestones to document and share important personal histories with their local communities.