James Salmon, M.D., FACS

Reverend Doctor James (“Jim”) Henry Salmon, M.D., FACS, age 91 of Erie, PA went to be with the Lord on November 13, 2023. Jim had pancreatic cancer and died peacefully in his sleep at home after being lovingly tucked into bed by his family. He was born on February 25, 1932 in Centerville, PA, son of the late Ray J. Salmon and Ruth Humes Salmon. Jim was a Renaissance man who worked as neurosurgeon, naval officer, professor, inventor, farmer, pastor, roofer, comedian and author. He received a B.S. from Pennsylvania State University (1953) and an M.D. from Hahnemann Medical College in Philadelphia (1957). Jim held a one-year internship at Charity Hospital of Louisiana, New Orleans and then served as a medical officer in the United States Navy (1958-1960). He completed neurosurgery residency at Yale and held professorships at Yale, University of Cincinnati, Southern Illinois University, and University of Pittsburgh. Jim’s hospital appointments included Cincinnati Veterans Admin., Cincinnati Children’s, Cincinnati General, St. John’s in Springfield, IL, and St. Vincent’s and Hamot in Erie, PA. His early medical research focused on pediatric neurosurgery. Jim invented the Salmon-Rickham® shunt to treat hydrocephalus. He and his brother, Verel, worked the family’s farm in Waterford, PA since childhood, and finished combining this year’s corn just weeks before Jim’s death. Jim lived out his Christian faith. In The Methodist Church, he served as Sunday school teacher, missions chairman, president of United Methodist Men, lay leader, delegate to annual conference, Wesley Woods board member, baritonist in orchestra, tenor in choir and even as pastor of North Richmond United Methodist Church in Cambridge Springs. Jim was most passionate about serving on U.S. and international mission work trips and supervised and participated in many roofing projects. He volunteered at Chosen in Erie. Jim served as host and performed stand-up comedy at Jr’s Last Laugh Comedy Club & Restaurant in Erie. He published over fifty medical journal articles and authored three books: Confessions of a One-Eyed Neurosurgeon: A Fictional Autobiography A Nostalgic Ramble of No Great Significance, Death by Deere: A Country Killing and Death by Dozer: A Country Killing. Jim and his wife, Louisa, were world travelers, visiting all seven continents, over fifty countries, and added Portugal to their list just a week before Jim’s death. He was an avid reader and enjoyed studying World War II. Jim also enjoyed camping, golf and tennis on his backyard court with his wife. Consistent with his love of medicine and desire to help others, Jim requested his body be donated to The Humanity Gifts Registry to aid learning for future medical students. Even with all of his unique and varied accomplishments, Jim’s greatest achievements were as husband, father and Papa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Ruth, brothers Vincent and Lowell, and sister, Elaine. Jim is survived by his treasured wife of 56 years, Louisa (née Potts) Salmon, daughter, Becky (Rob) Glus, son, J.T. (Sarah) Salmon, grandchildren, James “Jay” and Micah Glus, Zach, Josh and Nathaniel Salmon, brother Verel (Sandy) Salmon and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held at Glenwood Methodist Church 2931 Myrtle Street, Erie, PA 16508 on Friday, November 24, 6-8 p.m. and Saturday, November 25 at 10 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute to Chosen 3638 W. 26th Street Erie, PA 16506 chosen210.com or Good Samaritan Project of Haiti 7276 W. Atlantic Blvd. #433 Margate, FL 33063, in memory of Jim Salmon.

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