James H Rodeback

104 YEARS DOESN'T FEEL `THAT OLD' TO FATHER OF 9, EX-RAILROAD WORKER By Brooke Adams Published: Monday, Feb. 19, 1990

James Rodeback celebrated his birthday Friday, but he says he doesn't feel "that old" at all.

Rodeback is 104."I couldn't say just what (age I feel like)," Rodeback said. "I get around to do things just dandy. I get up and walk just like a young person."

Rodeback lived on his own until he turned 103; for the past year, he has lived at East Lake Care Center in Provo. He has no health problems and does not take any medication. His diagnosis, according to an aide at the center, is old age.

Rodeback was originally from Hoytsville but lived most of his life in Lindon. He attributes his longevity to hard work. "I worked on the railroad (for Union Pacific) I don't know how many years," he said. "I've done hard work." Rodeback also worked as a sheepherder and a farmer.

Rodeback and his wife, Pearl Geneva Cobbley, now deceased, had nine children. Their oldest daughter, Geneva Peterson, of Lehi, is 76.

"I have never in my life seen someone have better health," Peterson said.

She said her dad never learned to drive a car.

"He used to have a horse and buggy and used to ride a bike to work,"

Peterson said. "One day he was walking to work, and somebody stopped to give him a ride. He said no, he wanted to get there."

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When Provo Mayor Joe Jenkins came to wish him a happy birthday on Friday, Rodeback wanted to know "who told ya" it was his birthday. It may have been one of Rodeback's great-grandchildren: He has 98 of them.