Jim Whitaker, 81

Southwest Ranches

retired FPL troubleshooter

Head in the clouds: A day before my 80th birthday, my former wife and children cheered as I parachuted from 14,000 feet. As you go through a cloud your goggles cloud up and then you're bone dry. Pull the rip cord, and you're glad to be alive. Would I do that again? No. I did it when I was 40, and when I got on the ground I said, 'Never again,' but in 40 years you change your mind.

Not done yet: For my 81st birthday I was in the air in a kiddie car with a parachute behind it in Augusta, Ga. For my 82nd, I want to go to Pigeon Forge, Tenn., bungee jump until my hands reach the water and spring back up. I might level off a little after that if I don't break my back or wring my neck.

No smoking: I walk a mile a day. My health is absolutely perfect, couldn't be any better. I'm 10 pounds overweight, though. I drink a little, I don't smoke and I take Metamucil every morning. That stretches out my life.

Wired: I was an electrician until I married Dottie and had my first baby in 1950. I went to work with FPL, was there 38 years, 28 of them as a troubleshooter on Miami Beach. I know every nook and cranny over there.

Full house: I'm living with my children now -- I have four here, one in Augusta. They take good care of me. My son is making me a salad as we speak. I'm blessed.

A bit tipsy: I was on an Alaskan cruise last month and got ahold of some Kahlua. They had 40 percent and 70 percent. I had the 70 percent and fell down the stairs, got a four-inch gash on the top of my head.

Zoom, zoom: My yellow Honda Goldwing has a six-CD changer. It's a great bike. My first one was a Triumph. I had it when I got out of the Navy in 1946. I went in on my 17th birthday. We won WWII. I was a 40 MM gunner. We shot down 17 kamikazes and we never got hit.

Back to the '50s: I watch an awful lot of movies. I got everything Mel Brooks and Benny Hill ever made. I'm living back in the '50s, except for my motorcycle. I always wear a helmet and glasses. I can ride and play music at same time. The Harley riders can't do that.

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