Jamaican-American navy vet Jason Mills pens first children’s book
Published:Sunday | May 5, 2024 | 12:08 AMKrysta Anderson - Staff Reporter
Rooted in faith, United States navy veteran Jason Mills has found immense joy in dedicating his time and talents to a higher purpose. With a bachelor’s and two master’s degrees under his belt, he has written six books, and recently completed a story that he holds close and dear to his heart. Mills’ first-ever children’s book takes readers on his journey of humble beginnings in Jamaica, Tivoli Gardens in Kingston and rural Clarendon, to be exact.
“This children’s book, Grandma and Jason’s Journey with God, explores the influence that grandparents can have on the character of the next generation. My journey is an inspiring reminder that love truly conquers all in the face of adversity. And the aim of this book is to demonstrate pure love and the simplicity of love,” he told The Sunday Gleaner.
Born in Tivoli Gardens in Kingston, Mills, who goes by the pen name Jayques, explained that he moved to live with his late grandmother, Curdel Rochester Mills, who lovingly accepted him into her Clarendon home at seven months old. “She instilled within me the importance of faith, gratitude, sacrifice, and selfless giving. Her spiritual guidance and investments in my education has helped me to experience academic and career success,” he revealed.
His life was centred around studies and church until he reached the age of 14 years. Life as he knew it changed forever when he migrated to the United States. Mills recalled the culture shock he experienced as he adjusted to the new environment. Fortunately, the scholar was able to maintain his grades and was on the fast track to college.
He took a spin at law but soon traded that in for criminal justice. After graduating in 2007, he worked at the District Attorney’s Office in the Bronx in New York for a period of time. After several years in social service, he joined the United States Navy. “I really wanted to serve the country and get the experience and exposure, as well as the benefits.”
After serving under three years, Mills continued his master’s in public administration and policy. And then, for the second master’s degree, he went on to the seminary, pursuing biblical studies and theology at Knox Theological Centre.
“I love the word of God. It is something I have always wanted to study. But I had no desire to be a pastor, minister or church leader. I did this because of the passion I have for the subject matter and to honour my grandmother and the Lord.”
Currently working with the federal government in Connecticut, Mills reflected on his creative side that led him to write six books and be a co-author and publisher of one, taking his total to seven. A master of multitasking, he runs with his artistic flow, scheduling time to accomplish his imaginative missions.
Although every book has done an excellent job in revealing his thoughts and experiences, penning his first children’s book champions an even greater, more significant, cause: helping youths.
“I was reflecting on Jamaica and I realise the children of Jamaica are struggling. There are so many forces working against them ... . The Spirit of God asked of me, ‘What can you do in my capacity to reach the younger generation?’ and then the answer came plain as day, ‘Write a children’s book’,” he said.
Mills was apprehensive at first about embarking on this new adventure but he said God kept pressing on him to just start the process. Within three months, he produced an exciting 50-page book with all the colourful frills and thrills to attract readers from ages seven to 12.
To bring graphics into play, he enlisted the skills of an illustrator from Pakistan, who won in the creative collaboration, shared vision and cultural representation.
The biggest lesson he learnt was to simplify his work for a younger audience. In order to achieve this goal, he sought guidance from expert teachers of that age group. The feedback since its release in March of last year has been nothing short of amazing. And Mills is grateful that his journey has come full circle.
“It was important to write this book to show others from this next generation that, no matter where you’re from in the world, whether you grew up in the inner city or the country, you can have your dreams and set out to achieve those goals. If I can do it; so can you,” he added.