ORANGE PARK — Frank N. James turned 17 three months after the surprise attack at Pearl Harbor thrust the United States into World War II. He immediately felt an obligation to serve his country, so he enlisted in the U.S. Navy after receiving permission from his parents.

On Tuesday, the Rotary Club of Orange Park honored James a day before his 100^th birthday. The club recounted his military record, his work in the corporate world, his retirement in Orange Park, daughters Linda and Lauren, grandson James and granddaughters Kasey and Kelly.

James received accolades from Clay County Manager and Sheriff Michelle Cook, along with proclamations from U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and then U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio. James then received a U.S. Flag from Rubio, which was flown at the U.S. Capitol.

James slowly stood and addressed the club. He told a tale of joining his shipmates for the first time.

“It was my honor to serve my country during World War II,” he said. “I want to ensure you understand, I never fired a shot in anger. I was in officer training during the final days of the war. I'm asking you to think this: It was a coincidence that Japan surrendered when I stepped onto the Shangri-La. That happened.”

James answered the question everyone was thinking: What’s the key to living 100 years?

“There is no magic,” he said. “I look forward to celebrating my next birthday with you here next year.”