World War II veteran James Sneed, who has celebrated his 103rd birthday, attributes his remarkable longevity to a simple yet profound motto he learned during his school days. Hailing from Shiloh, Alabama, Sneed reflects on the words of encouragement imparted by a teacher: “Good, better, best, never let it rest. Till the good become better and the better become best.” This guiding principle has shaped his outlook on life, providing motivation through both personal and historical challenges.
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Sneed’s journey through life has not been without adversity. Having lost his mother at the tender age of nine, he was raised by his grandmother until his father’s remarriage introduced a new familial dynamic. “My stepmother was just like a mother to us,” he noted, highlighting the importance of family support during formative years.
Throughout his life, Sneed has endured significant hardships, including the Great Depression and the racial discrimination documented during the Civil Rights Movement. Notably, after enlisting in the Army at the age of 18, just months following the attack on Pearl Harbor, he faced the harrowing realities of World War II. He was stationed in North Africa, Italy, and ultimately Switzerland, often reflecting on the fear instilled by warfare—“all them planes dropping them bombs and the siren sound all the time. You couldn’t sleep.” Yet, amidst the chaos, he maintained a sense of hope, relying on his faith for comfort.
After the war, Sneed returned home to a society that often overlooked the contributions of Black soldiers. He felt a sense of disappointment when white soldiers were celebrated while men like him, who had done the difficult work, were sidelined. Nevertheless, he remarked, “As long as I’m working with my hands, I’m happy,” showcasing his resilience and dedication to family life.
In his attempts to provide for his family, Sneed earned modest wages, sometimes as little as 50 to 75 cents per day while saving to build a home. His wife, Minnie, made history as one of the first Black teachers to integrate white schools, a landmark achievement that unfortunately came with its own set of challenges. Sneed’s daughter, Janet, recounted the obstacles her mother faced, including being deliberately excluded from employment opportunities by the local school superintendent.
Sneed’s commitment to social justice was further exemplified by his involvement with the NAACP during the Civil Rights Movement, as he sought to raise awareness of racial inequalities. His contributions were recognised when he was inducted into the Alabama Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, honouring his efforts in the fight for equality.
Encouraged by Janet, Sneed joined the YMCA at the age of 100, a decision he credits as transformative. With a steadfast commitment to physical fitness, he attends exercise classes three times a week, engaging in the Silver Sneakers programme, which is designed to promote health in older adults. “I can’t do them all like they can,” he admits, yet his refusal to let age deter him stands as an inspiration to others at the gym. Brittany Brown, the member experience and marketing director at the YMCA of Metropolitan Columbus, remarked on how Sneed’s presence encourages those who doubt their own abilities: “People come in and say, ‘I’m too old to work out,’ and I always tell them: We have somebody here that’s 103 years old. No excuses.”
Sneed embraces a positive mindset, stating, “I’ve had a lot of disappointments, sure. But I keep active and keep calm and do whatever the Man up above tells me and then nothing bothers me.” His daughter describes him as the “rock” of their family, noting his selflessness and the unwavering support he has provided over the years. “When I don’t want to get up in the morning, I hear him calling me. He’s my inspiration,” she said.
As he looks ahead to his 104th birthday celebrations, which are set to take place at the YMCA, Sneed remains committed to his philosophy: “Do all the good you can, to all the people you can, every place you can.” His life serves as a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of a positive attitude in the face of life’s many challenges.