James Patrick Salmon

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing on July 24, 2018 of James Patrick Salmon, 76, of Boynton Beach, Florida, formerly of Auburn, MA. Jim leaves behind his best friend and adoring wife of nearly 52 years, Elizabeth A. (Tirella) Salmon; his loving son, Todd Salmon and his wife, Kelly, of Hubbardston, MA; his devoted daughter, Tracy (Salmon) Richert and twin grandsons, Nathan and James Richert, all of North Grafton, MA; his sister, Maureen Pulster, and brother, Daniel Salmon and his wife, Mary, all of Arizona; his sister in-law and brother in-law, Mary and Michael McCarthy of Auburn, MA; and several nieces and nephews.

Jim was born on November 3, 1941 in Worcester, MA to Daniel P. and Rita B. (Powers) Salmon. Jim lived and raised his family for 42 years in Auburn and wintered in Boynton Beach until moving there permanently two years ago. Jim’s time in Florida was some of the happiest for him - people watching on the beach, going out to lunch with Betty, and golfing with his good friends from the Worcester area. 

Jim proudly worked for 40 years as an emergency man at National Grid (formerly known as Massachusetts Electric). After his retirement, he maintained a close relationship with his former co-workers. He served six years in the Army National Guard.  Jim was a past President and coach of Auburn Little League for many years. Jim loved his children and adored his grandsons, whom he constantly teased and considered his buddies. He attended all of his children’s sporting events during their childhood and adulthood. Jim truly enjoyed watching them excel and flourish into fine adults.  He enjoyed going to the movies, and he loved watching baseball and football - especially his New England Patriots.

Diagnosed with cancer 4 years ago, Jim maintained a positive outlook and used his keen wit and extraordinary sense of humor to provide him the courage he needed to fight his disease and win. Jim went into remission and remained cancer free for the past 16 months. Jim said he fought so hard because he didn’t want to leave his best friend and love of his life, his wife, Betty. We are grateful that he fought the fight and provided us hope and strength during all of his challenges. 

“Rest in peace, my love.”  

Services for Jim will be held on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 from the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. in St. Joseph’s Church, 189 Oxford St., Auburn.  Burial will be held privately.  A period of calling hours will be held on Wednesday, August 1^st from 9:00 - 10:15 a.m. in the funeral home prior to departure for Jim’s funeral mass.  In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to: Children’s Tumor Foundation, 120 Wall Street, 16th Floor, New York, NY. 10005. To share your thoughts and memories of Jim with his family, please visit his personal guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com