Life, including retirement, has turned out great for the class of 1961's Jim Anton

Jim Anton has dealt himself an interesting life and is enjoying the fruits of semi-retirement.

By FRANK BARNING

Jim Anton, who lived at 27 Furrow Lane in Levittown, was a fun guy in school. Rarely did he take academics seriously. As a rule, he only worked hard the last few weeks of the school year, passed all his classes and even surprised some of his teachers with solid grades on his regents exams.

Jim and your blogger get together a few times each year in Las Vegas. He may not have been the academic type in school, but he is one sharp guy who matured nicely, has created an interesting life and married well.

Immediately after graduation in 1961, Jim joined the Navy. "My friend Jay Citrin (21 Furrow Lane)", he recalled, "went into the Navy in 1960 after his graduation. He tested the water so to speak and encouraged me to join."

After four years in uniform, Jim was discharged in California in 1965 and stayed in the Golden State. He soon met San Diego native Shirley and on the same day, June 25, he graduated from Division Avenue High School five years previously, they were married in 1966.

The Antons live in Rowland Heights, not far from Los Angeles. Among other things, the now semi-retired Anton, has been a very popular and successful DJ and photographer. His pride and joy is his seven-year old grandson Ceiveon. The Antons have two daughters and Jim's younger brother Jerry still lives in Nassau County.

"I am actively retired, meaning I work when I want to. I deal poker and other casino games on weekends as well as play poker a few times a week. I'm still a DJ about 20 times a year. Isn't being retired fun?"

And Jim Anton is still a fun guy.