Jackson Free Press

Simon Hamburg, 24, passed away at St. Dominic's Hospital in Jackson on Oct. 4. Hamburg, an avid reader and music aficionado, worked as a bookseller at Lemuria Bookstore (202 Banner Hall, 4465 I-55 North, 601-366-7619) He started both a book club and a book blog while there out of a strong interest in getting others to read good books.

"Simon was one of the biggest book snobs I have ever met in my life, and I say that in the nicest way possible," Maggie Stevenson, community liaison at Lemuria and Simon's friend, said. "I remember he came in (to start working here) and within three days he told me everything I read is sh*t. He had definite opinions on what he thought people should be reading. We all work hard on getting people to read here, and he felt strongly about that."

Hamburg was also a major supporter of the Jackson music scene. Before coming to Lemuria, he worked at Bebop Records until it closed.

"He really liked working there, and when it was turned into a Dollar Tree he was in a foul humor all day long," Stevenson said.

Hamburg was a former member of a band called Sherri Chic and the Pure Gold. He played bass and baritone guitar, banjo and ukulele, among other instruments. Hamburg was also an avid supporter of local bands.

"(Simon) was a big supporter of the Jackson music scene," Drew McKercher, owner of MorningBell records and another of Hamburg's friends, said. "He was one of the people you would see at all the local music shows, especially here (at MorningBell). He was always the first to arrive and the last to leave. He would tell people about all the obscure records they may not have heard of but needed to hear. He was an integral part of the Jackson music scene, and he'll be greatly missed. Every time I walk out the front door, I'll be thinking about him."