Hezekiah James and wife, Myrtle, seen here on their small farm in Gordon Land, St Mary, are still going strong. - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

They may have been husband and wife for 65 years, but evergreen senior citizens, Hezekiah and Myrtle James, are as fresh as they come.

The elderly couple, who lives in Gordon Land, St Mary, are quick to provide assistance to residents daily, especially when the cause includes helping children.

Eighty-six-year-old Myrtle, who is referred to as the village nurse, said she was equipped to put her Mary Seacole skills to use whenever someone gets ill.

"I know the remedy for the illnesses and I have my first aid kit, so I am always able to help when persons get sick in the community," she told The Gleaner last Friday.

Financial assistance

But that's not all. The octagenarian is always willing to help alleviate the financial burden of community members.

"I sometimes help some of the children with their lunch money and transportation cost because their parents don't have it and I wouldn't want to see them in the yard and can't go to school."

Generosity, she said, has always been second nature.

"I am happy I can still help others because I have a soft side. I don't like to see people suffer," she said.

Mrs James still loves to cook and boasts that her health-conscious culinary philosophy has put her and her husband in good stead.

"I don't cook foolish-ness, I cook food that is of use to my body. And the type of meals I prepared contributed to me keeping good health," said Mrs James.

She said it's the same remedy that has resulted in her husband, a centenarian, still going strong. Hezekiah celebrated his hundredth birthday earlier this year.

Though not so sprightly, he remains active, doing a little farming to keep his green thumb busy. People from the area also benefit from the ground provisions he produces.

He told The Gleaner he was not content to laze away at home in the twilight of his life.

"Although I don't do farming on a large scale like I used to, it has become part of me, so it's hard for me to stop," Mr James said.

The couple, who have eight children, still attend Carron Hall Seventh-day Adventist Church.

"I was an active man in the church. I was a deacon, but since I can't manage the post again I had to give it up, but I am still dedicated to my church," he declared.

Roland Campbell, 36, who lives in Gordon Land, told The Gleaner the couple's benevolence had endeared them to residents.

"I grow up come see them a help people. Sometimes I wonder if them a help too many people," he said.

"I always get my cornmeal porridge with cow's milk in the mornings and if I want a hand of banana or plantain, them not saying no."

nadisha.hunter@gleanerjm.com