100-Year-Old WWII Veteran Fulfills Lifelong Dream of Skydiving

On August 29, 2025, 100-year-old WWII U.S. Navy veteran Jimmy Hernandez celebrated his milestone birthday by accomplishing a long-held dream: skydiving. Hernandez, who was born in 1925, was joined by his son, Andrew, and his grandson, Santiago, as well as other family members, to mark the special occasion at SkyDance Skydiving in Davis, California.

According to Hernandez, he had wanted to go skydiving ever since he saw former President George H.W. Bush do the same. Despite some initial trepidation, Hernandez ultimately decided to take the plunge, saying, "I thought this could be my last day, but if so, I have lived a full life." While his landing "was not the best," Hernandez was honored that his large family, including cousins, friends, nieces, and nephews, came out to support him.

Hernandez's family members expressed immense pride in being able to share this momentous experience with him. His grandson, Santiago, felt it was a "fulfilling" way to honor the commitment they had made, while Hernandez's son, Andrew, was "proud to be a part of this jump" and happy to share it with his father and son. The centenarian's advice to younger generations is to "work hard, live clean, respect people and help the poor," lessons he has embodied throughout his long and eventful life.