Jimmy and Gay’s decades-long love story, a Valentine’s Day tale for the ages

In a world of flashy cards and overpriced gifts, Gay and Jimmy McNamara, childhood sweethearts for 63 years, prove that Valentine’s Day is about cherishing each moment with the one you love.

Their love story, reminiscent of an old Hollywood romance, began at the Gympie Show, where Gay, now 79, laid eyes on her very own James Dean.

“I remember spotting Jimmy from afar and being in awe of how much he resembled Elvis Presley and James Dean. The second I got home I asked everyone I knew who that ‘good- looking boy’ was … the rest is history,” she said.

Despite six decades of marriage and the challenges brought by Jimmy’s early stages of dementia, the McNamaras remain inseparable. Every day, Gay travels from Zillmere to TriCare Stafford Lakes Aged Care Residence to spend quality time with the love of her life.

“I come at 8am each day and we spend a few hours together, either watching TV together or just catching up,” Gay said.

Despite the hurdles, the couple hasn’t lost their romantic spark. Jimmy, a “garbage collector” of romantic gifts, treasures a box filled with love letters exchanged during their early years. A diamond heart-shaped necklace, a cherished gift from Jimmy on Gay’s 15th birthday, has been worn for 60 years, a constant reminder that he is always by her side.

Jimmy’s health decline prompted the move to TriCare’s Stafford Lakes Aged Care Residence, offering round-the-clock care and peace of mind to Gay.

“We’ve had a wonderful life, spent a lot of time travelling and seeing the world. Being huge Elvis fans, we’ve visited Graceland and have plenty of cherished memories to look back on,” she added.

Jimmy, though facing communication challenges, hasn’t lost his cheeky sense of humour or his prowess on the snooker table

“I still give the young ones a run for their money,” Jimmy says.

“Our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren love playing pool when they come to visit, it’s something we can do to pass the time,” Gay adds.

Even in their golden years, the McNamaras continue to embrace family connection. Jimmy’s extended family donated a pool table to the aged care facility, fostering a sense of community among residents.

Jimmy, with his cheeky sense of humor and top-notch snooker skills, has become a local legend at the facility, challenging younger players to a game and passing on his skills to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“The family love visiting, and Jimmy really enjoyed teaching the grandchildren the skills. Our littlest grandson, who’s only five, loves coming after school and playing a game with grandpa – he’s certainly got the competitive McNamara genes,” Gay said.

According to Sandra Finnen, Facility Manager at Stafford Lakes Aged Care Residence, the pool table has become a focal point for residents, drawing them out of their rooms for some activity and friendly competition.

“It brings them out of their rooms and down here for some activity and friendly competition,” she said.

As the McNamaras enjoy another Valentine’s Day together, their enduring love story serves as a heartwarming reminder that love, in its truest form, knows no bounds and only grows stronger with time.