MOSSEL BAY NEWS - James Smalberger of Gourits turned 90 on Youth Day, Sunday 16 June. He lived in Mossel Bay for 40 years before moving to Gourits, where he has lived for 25 years.
He worked as a diesel mechanic on farms in the Mossel Bay area.
In the early 50s, he trained in Oudtshoorn, then he worked and qualified in his trade in Paarl, before returning to Mossel Bay.
Farm
James was born on a farm near Gourits. "My father farmed there," he says.
On 25 June, James and his wife, Jemine, celebrate their 58th anniversary. They married in 1966.
Jemine worked as a teacher. The couple have two sons and a daughter and two grandchildren, who are in matric this year.
James says: "I am healthy and doing well. Eleven years ago, I had stents put in my heart."
When asked what his secret to longevity is, he says: "I believe you must keep busy. Don't sit still."
He says that when one just sits, the aches and pains come.
Looks after her
James is more active and mobile than Jemine, so he looks after her, does the housework and cooks.
"I'm on the go," he exclaims.
His daughter, Comine Meyer, says: "My dad still drives. He drives the elderly people of Gourits around if they need to go to the airport, and so forth.
"He does not like shop bread at all, so he bakes his own bread about every week."
Own home
The couple still live in their own home in Gourits, right at the sea.
Comine says: "I think that is part of their good health. They look at the sea all day. Nature plays a large, positive role."
Family and friends had a celebration in Gourits during the weekend to mark James' 90th birthday.
They ate biltong sandwiches made with James' homemade bread. Comine says: "He insists on making the sandwiches himself, because he says no one makes them like he does."
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