Jim Erisman sat in his easy chair in his living room, wearing his Honor Flight t-shirt, ready to greet the family, friends and community members streaming into his home on Center Street in Farmersville. The day before he turned 100, he wasn’t sure what to make of the media attention, government proclamations, and accolades from the community. “I don’t think I’m more important than anyone else,” he noted humbly.

His family and many community members and elected officials disagree. Fresh off a visit to the Ohio State Senate in Columbus to receive a proclamation recognizing his service in WWII and status as a centenarian, Jim learned that the Village of Farmersville had proclaimed November 26, 2025 as “James W. Erisman Day.”

His daughter Sherry Wallace shared that Ohio State Senator Steve Huffman, who honored him in Columbus, said that meeting Jim was a huge honor and an experience that would stay with him. “The experience was wonderful. I shook hands with so many people, I couldn’t believe it,” Erisman said.

Erisman’s story was brought to the attention of multiple government officials by J. Todd Smith, Senior Pastor at The Church at Farmersville and former State Representative for Ohio's 43rd District. Smith joined Tom Sears from the Village of Farmersville, State Representative Phil Plummer of the 39th District, and a representative from Congressman Mike Turner’s office who all visited Erisman’s home to present additional proclamations and even a flag flown over our nation’s Capitol.

According to a summary of his service shared by his family, Jim Erisman entered active duty into the U.S. Army on June 23, 1944, serving in the 30th Infantry Division in Europe as a bazooka specialist during the Battle of the Bulge.

After being injured in battle, Erisman received a Purple Heart for his outstanding courage and bravery. He was also honored with the Good Conduct Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon with Two Bronze Stars, the American Theatre Ribbon, and the Combat Infantry Badge.

Huffman’s Facebook post on the event noted, “Jim is a national hero who courageously answered the call of duty and served our nation with honor. Jim Erisman is an exceptional Ohioan and reaching the age of 100 years old is truly impressive feat. I’m proud to have recognized Jim in front of the entire Senate.”