SANTA ANA : Optimist Has Reason: He’s 104

Laughing and holding a silver balloon with the words “Over the Hill” on it, James Rawding celebrated his 104th birthday at home Wednesday.

Surrounded by his wife, friends and health care workers, Rawding basked in the attention, but also joked about the fuss being made over him.

“I’m not over the hill yet,” he said. “I’ve got another couple days left.”

Rawding, who was born in Nova Scotia in 1889, served in an artillery unit in France during World War I. The former car dealer moved to his present home on Bishop Street in 1932.

Seated in his living room easy chair, he surveyed his birthday cards, cake and presents, and then offered self-deprecating suggestions that living so long was unremarkable.

“There’s a lot of people older than me,” he said.

For about 45 minutes, Rawding chatted with visitors and talked about his life and family. He said he married his wife, Helen, 89, about 26 years ago, adding, “I was just a young kid then.”

Dressed in a blue shirt, gray pants and suspenders, Rawding mugged for photographers and teased reporters, saying, “Don’t put anything in (the newspaper) that will have the cops after me.”

During a rare serious moment, he described his birthday celebration as “overwhelming. I appreciate it so much I could almost cry.”

He also offered advice for living a long life: “Just treat people right--like you would like to be treated yourself.”

Linda Curry, Rawding’s health care aide, attributed his longevity to a cheerful disposition.

“It can’t be his diet, because he likes chocolate and liquor. It’s his attitude. He’s the total optimist.”

Plus, she added, “He has a great sense of humor.”