09/11/2026
• PEOPLE OF NEW MEXICO •
The oldest living U.S. veteran calls New Mexico home ❤️
Meet James Flowers
At 110 years old, James has lived through more than a century of history … and helped make some of it himself
He served during World War II as one of the Tuskegee Airmen, the groundbreaking group of Black military aviators who helped break racial barriers in the U.S. Armed Forces
But his service didn’t end when he left the military
James went on to spend nearly 30 years teaching middle school science, helping shape another generation before eventually retiring with his wife, Evelyn, to southern New Mexico
Today, he calls Las Cruces home
Earlier this year, James was awarded the New Mexico Medal of Merit in recognition of his lifetime of service, sacrifice and dedication.
This Labor Day, as we recognize the contributions of American workers, we wanted to share the story of one remarkable New Mexican whose life has been filled with work, service and impact.
A veteran.
A teacher.
A husband.
A father.
A New Mexican.
110 years of life, and one incredible story ❤️
There are extraordinary people all around New Mexico whose stories deserve to be told
Who should NMLIFE introduce us to next?
📍 Las Cruces, New Mexico
📷 Carly Bennett | NMLIFE
