James Edwin Solomon, 95, of Henderson, Kentucky, died Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

James (Jim) and his younger brother, Ray, grew up in Calvert City, Kentucky.  Their father founded the first electric utility company in the area.  Jim grew up working in the family business learning how to install and maintain electric distribution lines around Marshall County, Kentucky.  He was driving a truck, climbing poles, and stringing electric line at an early age to expand the family business, all while attending high school and figuring out what he wanted to do next.

Jim attended Lambuth College, where he played football and basketball in his freshman year.  He then transferred to Murray State College where he received his bachelor's degree in Education.  In 1951, Jim joined the U.S. Army and served as a Staff Sergeant on the front lines in the Korean War.  He was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor for his service.  After the war, Jim returned to Murray State to pursue his master's degree, and it was there that he met the love of his life, his wife of 63 years, Rachel Blalock Solomon.  After graduating from Murray State, Jim taught and coached high school basketball in Trigg County, Kentucky, and then Mount Vernon, Indiana, before moving his family to Henderson, where he was the assistant principal and head basketball coach at Henderson City High School.  After coaching, Jim pursued many careers in his lifetime, including insurance, oil and gas, and banking, before becoming a stockbroker at age 55 until he retired at 75.  He enjoyed the opportunities his jobs afforded him to work with others to improve their lives.

Jim was a member of First United Methodist Church and a devoted disciple of Jesus.  He was also a member of the American Legion Worsham Post No. 40 in Henderson and served on several boards, including Henderson Community Methodist Hospital.  Jim truly enjoyed his community, and he and his wife, Rachel, were members of a bridge club that met monthly for dinner, fellowship, and bridge for over 40 years.  His proudest accomplishment was his family, whom he dearly loved.  In his final years, Jim lived with and enjoyed the loving care of his oldest son, David, and his daughter-in-law, Jacqueline.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Mary Emma Solomon; his grandson, Jason Solomon; and his beloved wife, Rachel Solomon.

His survivors include his brother, Ray M. Solomon, of Bowling Green, Kentucky; three children, David L. Solomon (Jacqueline) of Henderson, Kentucky, John L. Solomon (Susan) of Franklin, Tennessee, Ann S. Hodge (Thomas) of Houston, Texas; four grandchildren, Jessica S. Thomas (Joseph), Thomas S. Hodge, Rachel H. Monjaraz (Aaron), and Joseph A. Hodge (Samantha); five great-grandchildren, Sydney R. Turley, Mason Ranes, Jase Ranes, Will Thomas, and James Monjaraz; nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, February 14, 2025, at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home.  The Reverend Janet L. Carden and Reverend David E. Latham will officiate.  Burial will be in St. Louis Cemetery with full military rites performed by American Legion Worsham Post No. 40.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, February 13, 2025, and 9 a.m. until the service time Friday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church of Henderson, Kentucky.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com.