Honoring a Kokomo Centenarian and Veteran, James Ralph Kuntz

Centenaria
 a person who lives to or beyond the age of 100 years.

Born in Smith Valley in Johnson County in 1915, James Ralph Kuntz served as a radioman in the U.S. Navy during World War II aboard the USS Swenning in the Pacific. He then served on a boat out of Virginia after the war.

He formed a friendship with next door neighbor in Kokomo, Indiana; Salena Catron.

She began a quest to get 100 people to send cards to Mr. Kuntz for his 100th birthday. Thank number has been exceed 70 time over!

The cards have come from North Carolina, California, Switzerland and beyond.

On his 100th birthday, June 15, Salena rented a classic mail car to make the surprise delivery to Mr. Kuntz, who is a former mailman.

Family members took video of his reaction.

We want to wish Mr. Kuntz a happy 100th birthday… and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your service to our country.