'Great lady' celebrates 100th with family

A special celebration took place Saturday at Washington Commons Retirement Residence in Evans.

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Jessie Pflager James was honored on her 100th birthday by family, friends and fellow residents and staff of Washington Commons.

James was born on Sept. 29, 1907, in St. Louis. The more than 100 guests for her party included family members who traveled long distances to share in the occasion.

Among the family members in attendance were Chuck and Susan Hubbard, of Augusta, James' youngest son and his wife; Sandy Wischmeyer, of Denver; Charlene Ballistri, of Waynesboro, Pa.; grandchild Drew Hubbard and his wife, Dora, and their two daughters, Megan and Michelle, of Temple City, Calif.; Shari Hubbard and Holly Asti, of Altadena, Calif.; and Karla Lever, her husband, James and their daughter, Heather.

James, who is a lover of classical music, was entertained before her party by Augusta State University's Nissar Trio: Amy Bronson, Jason Pooler and Carmen S. Del Valle Ruiz.

After lunch, younger family members blew out the candles on James' three-layer chocolate birthday cake. James received several gifts from friends and other facilities across the country that are associated with Washington Commons.

James' secret to living a century can be attributed to three things, said her youngest son, Chuck.

"Mom is a tough lady with a history of family longevity. Two of her relatives lived to be 103 years old," he said.

"Her work ethic and her active life are the other contributors to her long life. She loved to read and was very active with volunteer work and obligations with the Daughters of the American Revolution."

James married at age 19. When her husband died, she had four boys ages 13, 11, 9 and 7 months to raise. She became involved in the PTA and was a state officer. She was active in the Episcopal Church and took care of the altar, Bible and books for eight years. She served as an IRS auditor for 28 years.

James remarried three years after her husband's death. Her second husband was in the military and was stationed in France during World War I.

James has four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great, great-grandchild.

"Mom is a great lady and a remarkable person," said Chuck Hubbard. "We know it was hard raising four children by herself. She never worked until after the death of our father, and then she only earned $200 in two years around 1943."