James Solidum, 97, an insurance executive and community leader died on July 12, 2022 after a brief struggle with cancer and COVID-19. He was born in Honolulu and is survived by his sons Arlin (Daren), Nathan (Colleen), Tobi and daughter Kamomi (Farra), six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Elmer and sister Evelyn. Mr. Solidum joined Grand Pacific Life Insurance Company as one of its first employees in 1957. He climbed the corporate ladder starting as a field agent and worked his way up to Vice President. In 1964 he started his own insurance agency J. Solidum and Associates and thereafter the Financial Development Institute receiving his distinction as a Chartered Life Underwriter in 1973. Working with his wife Vickie, these businesses became a driver to help several generations of families break through financial hardships and achieve their goals.
Intertwined with business development, Mr. Solidum actively volunteered in community affairs. He served at St. Stephen's Church in several capacities that spans decades. Mr. Solidum was also a member of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce and served as President. For many years he was a trustee for the St. Louis Alumni Foundation and the St. Louis Center for the Arts. He also served on the Boards for the Hawaii Economic Development Corporation, Hawaii Estate Planning Council, Palama Settlement and Kuakini Hospital. But perhaps, his crowning achievement, was his volunteer work with the Aloha United Way, serving as chair to several of its committees and then as Chairman of the Board.
Mr. Solidum achieved his goals by breaking many ethnic glass ceilings. And for his efforts, he was recognized by receiving a Man of the Year award from the Filipino Chamber of Commerce, certificate of merit from Aloha United Way, an award from Wisdom Magazine, was named Alumnus of the Year from St. Louis High School and most recently, Island Treasure Award from the Catholic Church of Hawaii. He was published in several magazines and Who's Who in Finance and Industry.
Steadfast in his faith, loyal to his family and friends, loving and caring to all. He had a life lived well and to its fullest. Celebration of Life services will be held on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at St. Stephen's Church, 2747 Pali Highway in Nuuanu with visitation starting at 8:30am and requiem mass at 10:00am. Temperature check at door and optional COVID-19 testing will be available onsite.
Arrangements Provided By:
Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC
