James Thomas Salmon, Sr.

Published 1:22 pm Friday, June 7, 2024

James Thomas “Jim” Salmon, Sr., 88, went to be with the Lord on June 6, 2024, and reunited with his wife, Elaine. He was the son of the late, Claude and Ethel Salmon. He is predeceased by his wife, Mildred Elaine Pierce Salmon, and his three brothers, Jack Salmon, Irvin Salmon and Patrick (Pat) Salmon.

Jim attended Suffolk High School and after marrying the love of his life, he was enlisted into the Army. They moved to Laurel, Maryland where they welcomed their first child, Rhonda Lynn whom Jim named after the movie star Rhonda Fleming. Upon leaving the Army, Jim went to work for Sherwin Williams paint company. He retired there after 23 years and opened his own business with his wife, Salmon’s Paint and Decorating Center. He was very proud to own and operate his own business for 27 years before fully retiring. His favorite saying to his loyal customers, “today is your special contractor’s price”.

Jim loved to fish. He owned many boats throughout his lifetime to enjoy his passion. When he purchased a brand new Grady White, he named it “Great Life”, after a line of paint he sold in his store. Jim loved living on the water in Lakeside for 54 years. He could fish daily right in his backyard. Jim was a big fan of the Washington Redskins and instilled that love into his children.

Jim loved the Outer Banks. It was another favorite of his. He loved it so much that they built a beach cottage there and enjoyed many memories.

Jim attended Oxford Methodist Church for many decades. He was a Deacon in the church, on several boards and sung in the choir, sometimes performing a solo.

Jim was a lifetime member of the Kiwanis organization. He enjoyed attending meeting and contributing to the organization. He was President for several terms.

Jim and his beloved wife were members of the Hardee’s club. They would go to Hardee’s every day to eat their breakfast, drink their coffee, and hang out with their friends.

Jim also enjoyed working in his yard and restoring steamer trunks after he retired. He made sure every child, grandchild, and some great grandkids received them.

Jim was a hard worker and took good care of his family. Family always came first. He adored his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He taught us compassion and love. He never missed a family event.

Left to cherish his memory are his three children; daughter, Rhonda S. Phippins (Tom); son, James Thomas (Tommy) Salmon, Jr. (Robin,) and daughter, Brenda S. Russell (Blake); grandchildren, James (Jamie) Thomas Salmon, III (Liz), Becky S. Johnson (Wes), Chelsey S. Sari (Charles), Ricky (Rick) Lee Gregory, Jr., Jackalyn K. LaFave (Chaz), Juliette E. Knight-Brewer (Chaydon); great grandchildren, Lexie Salmon, Colton Sari, Cash Sari, Riley Johnson, Owen Johnson, Cayne Sari, Jack Johnson, and Isla LaFave. Jim is also survived by his sisters-in law, Audrey P. Smith and Claudia M. Salmon and his nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of East Pavilion, especially Caryn and Victoria; as well as Hospice of Virginia honorable mention of Joyce for the patience and loving care of Mr. Salmon.

The family will receive friends and family in the R. W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory, Downtown Suffolk Chapel on Sunday, June 16, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM. A graveside service officiated by Rev. Michael Halley will be held on Monday, June 17, 2024, at 11:00 AM in Holly Lawn Cemetery, Suffolk, Virginia. Condolences may be registered at RWBakerFH.com.