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Obit of the Day: World’s Oldest Living Man - Ever
Jiroemon Kimura passed away on June 12, 2013 at the age of 116 years, and 54 days. He was born on April 19, 1897. In the United States William McKinley was president, the Spanish-American War was a year away, and the Wright Brothers were still building bicycles.
At the time of his death, Mr. Kimura was the oldest man in recorded history and the first to reach the age of 116. (The previous oldest man ever was Christian Mortensen, who died on April 25, 1998 at the age of 115 years, 252 days…just six days after Mr. Kimura’s 101st birthday.)
Mr. Kimura attributed his longevity to eating small meals, usually red bean cakes and rice. However for his 115th birthday he did enjoy a special meal of grilled fish.
Beginning at the age of 17 (1914, if you’re keeping track) Mr. Kimura began a career as a postal worker, retiring at the age of 65 (1962). But his retirement was a rather active one - he farmed until he was 90.
Jiroemon Kimura had 7 children, 14 grandchildren, 25, great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great grandchildren. His four brothers all lived past the age of 90 and his youngest lived to 100. At the time of his death he was living with the 82-year old widow of his oldest son.
The current title holder of world’s oldest living person is Misao Okawa, who is 115 years old, 99 days. She was born on March 5, 1898.
Sources: USA Today, idigitaltimes.com, Wikipedia
(Image of Mr. Kimura is courtesy of idigitaltimes.com and via Facebook)
Other oldest folks featured on OOTD:
Besse Cooper - Formerly “world’s oldest person” at 116 years, 100 days
Dina Manfredini - The title holder of “world’s oldest person” prior to Mr. Kimura at 115 years, 243 days
And of course, OOTD’s Oldest Living People page
“Camels Agree With Your Throat!”
Newsweek, 1952