Some men simply live while others pack living into a life.

That was Jimmy Moss-Solomon, a man in full whose time was a life well lived. His interests were vast and he had a gargantuan intellectual appetite. There are those who strive for clarity but get lost in ambiguity and lack the common touch. Jimmy could connect with anybody, he didn’t defer to where one resided on the spectrum of life.

Jimmy Moss-Solomon was a family man, an athlete, a musician, a corporate executive, a philanthropist, a raconteur, and a journalist. What he was able to pack into a life, would take many a few lifetimes to accomplish. He made good use of time.

He was an ardent patriot who remained steadfast in helping to build a better Jamaica. He often cogitated upon where his beloved country was headed and he was never shy in sharing his ideas and thoughts on how Jamaica could become a better country for its citizens.

He was a man of great humour. He nicknamed me “Dolly” in my early days, I worked closely with and followed the lead of my then boss Delroy Alexander, who was the business editor of The Gleaner. He was a big guy, six foot-four and hailed from the UK, like myself. Of course, he was quick on the draw, nothing got by Jimmy, hence the nickname and it stuck. Going back more than twenty years both Delroy and myself would seek Jimmy’s opinion on both business and national issues making the news. He was truly a font of knowledge and fantastic company.

Last night, a book in his honour was launched, ‘Jimmy Moss Solomon, His Thoughts, Ideas and Perspectives‘ by Glynis Salmon. This tome is a compilation of his articles and writings and is published by Bala Press.

Family and friends came to the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College (Jimmy’s alma mater) for the book launch ceremony.

Jimmy certainly will be missed. He left a big footprint. Let’s hope there are those of us worthy to fill them. 

Here are some photos from the book launch from Our Today: