All this soon-to-be 100-year-old World War II veteran wants for his birthday is cards.
James South will hit the centennial mark on Oct. 7. His wish is to receive 100 cards in honor of the milestone and the assisted living facility where he lives in Watauga, Texas is helping to make that wish come true.
In a Facebook message on Sept. 20, Brookdale Senior Living posted a photo of South holding up a sign.
"Hello! My name is James South and I am a proud World War II Veteran! I will be turning 100 on October 7th, 2019 and I would like to receive 100 birthday cards," the sign reads.
South’s son, Jim, told CNN that his dad grew up northeast Texas in a large family of sharecroppers. He joined the Army in 1940 and landed in Normandy on June 12, 1944, seven days after D-Day.
While he was serving, his girlfriend Sophie would write him a letter every day, according to Jim. The couple was married for 55 years until her death in 2001, Jim said. He is their only child.
James South retired when he was 65 and stayed active by doing work in the garden, woodworking and going to church, his son said. He moved to Brookdale last year.
Jim said he’s got a three-day birthday celebration already planned for his dad which involves playing some golf and eating chicken fried steak and catfish at his favorite restaurants.
"My dad taught me that a hug is better than a handshake," Jim told CNN. "And that money wasn't the goal in life -- it was happiness."
If you want to send a special message to South send cards to:
James South
5800 North Park DriveWatauga, TX 76148
The cards will be hung on James’ wall and the local post office has been notified it might be a little busier than usual, Jim said.