Jack Hagaman turns 103 on February 3.

He is blind in one eye and deaf in one ear. His days are fairly quiet. He spends most of his time reading or watching TV.

“It’s amazing that these talk shows don’t have any audience anymore because of the virus, they still they have long commercials,” said Hagaman.

He lives in a senior living community at the Nottingham in Jamesville. He moved to Syracuse 10 years ago to be closer to his daughter. Jack spent most his career working at the YMCA. He worked his way through several positions in six different cities and retired as the executive director for the Ithaca Branch. His daughter, Nancy Sellemeyer, said there isn’t a dog or child that doesn’t love her dad.

“I really think my dad is one of the best people I ever have known,” said Sellmeyer. “He’s always doing things for other people and helping other people.”

By Jack’s side is his wife, Martha. They met in college in Ohio and have been married for 76 years.

“I’m as happy as I think I could ever be,” she said. “We don’t quarrel. We don’t disagree over silly things.”

Nancy said her dad still keeps track of their finances and both her parents have a pretty good sense of what’s going on in the world.

”They are both still really with it. I’m so blessed that I still have them in my life. I think It’s the best thing ever,” said Sellmeyer.

The key to a long lasting marriage, Jack says, is knowing who to marry.

“Picking the right girl. That helps a lot when you get the perfect person to live with,” said Hagaman.

Jacks mother lived to be 103 and his dad lived to be 91. He believes longevity is in his genes.

“I don’t think anyone should want to live that long again,” advises Hagamn.

Making it past 100 years of life may be in his DNA, but sure having a sense of humor and a loving partner helps too.