It’s never too late to fulfill old passions. Ask Jim Reynolds of Fishers.

Jim, who turns 100 later this year, was called up for active duty in February 1943 as a navigation cadet for the US Air Force.

He quickly becomes what he calls a “very happy military pilot”.

“The day I was made a second lieutenant, August 4, 1944, was the happiest day of my life,” he said. “I no longer needed to go back to milking the cows on the farm.”

During his nearly 23 years in the Air Force, Jim logged over 10,000 flight hours.

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“I don’t know how many different planes I’ve flown on,” Jim said. “My biggest assignment was flying transports at the end of World War II.”

Jim’s family at Fishers decided there was no better way to celebrate his 100th birthday than in the air.

Jim’s brother Jon was in Noblesville on Saturday when his brother took off in a plane similar to the one he flew in the 1940s.

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“I’m really glad they recognize my brother,” Jon said. “He’s had a lifetime, including being a WWII veteran and the greatest generation. That stuff is really inspiring to see it done for him, and we’re all happy to not just see it, but to participate in it.”

Jon, 84, also served in the military during the Vietnam era.

“Although if I was still on active duty I would be in the space force, because I was not an airman. I worked mostly in the space side of the air force and logistics “, said John.

The brothers are the only two remaining of nine siblings. Jim said having his family together to celebrate the big day meant the world.

It comes from a man who has seen 51 countries.

“It’s nice to have this recognition,” Jim said.

Jim retired from the Air Force as a lieutenant colonel.