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James Salem Obituary
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Blanche and Carlton Salem, and brother, Robert of Delavan, Wis.
Survivors include his wife, Donna C. Salem; his daughters, Betsy Nolan (Kenneth) of Atlanta, Ga. and Jennifer Santoyo (Richard) of Dallas, Texas; his sons, Timothy Salem (Lisa) of Houston, Texas and Jon Salem of Jackson, Miss.; beloved pet, Matt, a golden retriever; and grandchildren, Ryan, Berkley, and Carson Nolan of Atlanta, Ga., Roman, Paul, and Sophia Santoyo of Dallas, Texas, and Noah, Brent, and Benjamin Salem of Houston, Texas.
Jim Salem was born in Delavan, Wisconsin on November 15, 1937. He excelled in athletics in high school, married junior high sweetheart Donna Carol McLernon in 1958, and began a fast-track education to college professor, earning a B.S. in English from the University of Wisconsin at La Crosse and a Ph.D. in English from Louisiana State University. His 43 year career at the University of Alabama was full of illustrious awards like the National Alumni Association's Outstanding Commitment to Teaching Award in 1998 and the Mary C. Turpie Award from the American Studies Association in 2007. His critically praised biographical and cultural study, “The Late Great Johnny Ace and the Transition from R&B to Rock ‘N' Roll” (University of Illinois Press) was a Ralph J. Gleason Music Book Award finalist. He was beloved by students, faculty, and staff.
His passions were reading, home-cooked meals, Alabama football, and vacations to the beach.
The family would like to express a special thanks to Dr. Leonard Jones III, Dr. Chester Boston, and the DCH 7th Floor nursing staff.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to American Studies Jim Salem Memorial Scholarship, The University of Alabama Department of American Studies, P.O. Box 870214, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0214.
Condolences may be offered at www.memorychapelfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Salem
Bob Serum
November 30, 2012
Dear Donna and Family,
I learned of your loss just yesterday when I read the piece about Jim in Collegian. I am much saddened by Jim's unexpected passing and, though it comes late, I wanted to send you my sincere condolences.
I met Jim at the Capstone in 1972. I had reached the point of selecting a dissertation topic in the English Department and wanted to do something on Ibsen. Unfortunately, no one in my department had any Ibsen background, but Dwight Eddins suggested I talk with Jim.
I had taught at the secondary level for six years before enrolling at Alabama, where my wife also enrolled in the psychology program. So I was just a few years younger than Jim. We hit it off right away and could also share the fact that we were both Yankees who had cultivated warm feelings for the South. I grew up in Michigan, and as things turned out, wrote most of my dissertation from Minnesota and then had a career at Northwood University in Midland, Michigan, where I retired just over five years ago.
I will always particularly remember the defense of my dissertation proposal. I had driven to Tuscaloosa from Minneapolis on a weekend and was to defend, formally, on the following Friday. Jim got in touch with me about 10AM on Monday morning and said, "Look, it turns out that three of our Committee members can't be there on Friday afternoon, but they could all meet in the Student Union over coffee this afternoon. What do you say"? After being momentarily alarmed, I agreed, so Jim went off to confirm with the others. As the day wore on, I became concerned that I should spend some time with Jim in rehearsal before the defense. About an hour before the appointed time, I called you at the house, Donna. You told me Jim was out playing soccer. That just put everything in perspective and allowed me to recalibrate! And the defense went fine.
Cam and I started our family late. We had a son who was born in 1986 and a daughter in 1989 when I was already 48 and Cam was 42. Our son earned his degree at Northwood University, where I was by that time academic vice president, but our daughter, Robyn, opted for Alabama. I'd been out-of-touch with Jim for a long while when Robyn made her first orientation visit, but I was delighted to be able to look up both Jim and Dwight Eddins. I believe Dwight was retiring at the same time as I, but Jim had two more years to go.
I was surprised to learn from Jim that mine was the ONLY dissertation he ever directed--of course, because American Studies doesn't award that degree. Robyn also let us know when Jim gave his wonderful "Last Lecture," so I was able to write to him and to get a copy of the video. When Robyn took a position at The Rec, she regularly reported on Jim's arrival there for a work-out. She always enjoyed their interactions.
Robyn finished her M.A. in political science in May, and we helped her pack up and move to Washington, D.C. I had hoped for time to visit with Jim then, but the agenda was full. It never occurred to me that Jim's time then would be so short, as I had imagined him having many years ahead with all of you. Jim is, I know, enormously missed, and will long be remembered with love and great affection. God Bless you all with wonderful memories.
Sincerely,
Nancy Harwood
July 27, 2012
Dear Donna...How sad I was to read of Jim's passing.Though I was two years ahead of Jim in high school, we shared two years of a small-enrollment Spanish class. He was a delight...so cute and funny, and I grew very fond of him. I have, through the years, been aware of his distinguished career, and I know that he will be deeply missed by his former students and colleagues.
Hopefully the esteem in which he is held will help you to achieve comfort in these difficult days.
My symathy to you and your family.
Nancy Harwood DHS 1953
Ralph and Ann Bogardus
July 22, 2012
That Jim will be missed is the sad feeling shared by so many of us who knew him during his many years at Alabama. I first met Jim over a beer at his house, during my job interview in 1975. That conversation, its warmth and welcoming quality, is still in my mind. Over the years, the department had its ups and downs, but Jim took over as director during one of the latter periods and brought us together, creating an atmosphere of collaboration, trust, and mutual support that enabled the department to thrive and grow. Both his colleagues and the students benefited immeasurably from his efforts. What he built will endure.
Lance Davis
July 18, 2012
Dr. Salem is the reason I went to Alabama and I can't imagine the trajectory of my life without that decision. He was always easy to talk to, quick with a laugh, and I'll never forget our many discussions of The Beatles in his office. Great guy, he will be missed. And while this may not be gender appropriate, I'm sure he'd understand. "Bye bye, Miss American Pie."
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Bob Kittelson
July 15, 2012
:Dear Donna, I want to express my sympathy to you and your family upon Jim's death - I am still stunned. Jim and I became friends somewhere around 4th grade when we would meet in Phoenix Park and participate in Mr. Gallo's summer programs. I can't forget the close friendship we had in those wonderful years we spent together in classrooms and being on the DHS football, basketball and baseball teams for three years, and with you in the picture too. I'll never forget the weeks and weeks he dared me to kiss Judy Mink in the theater during the Friday night movie - it was 8th grade. It ended when when she kissed me and his sport was over - what a guy! Jim will always be remembered by me as a best friend - I'll miss him and I'll be calling you. Be strong in your memories. June and I send you our sympathy and love.
Bob Kittelson
Delavan High School Class of 1956
Centennial, Colorado
Lydia Smith
July 13, 2012
Seeing Dr. Salem's 1958 high school graduation photo on this site reminded me there was a generation gap (or two) between us. But he closed that gap! True, he treated me somewhat in a "fatherly" manner at times, yet never made me feel inferior, foolish or "like a kid." In fact, he was a hippie like us! If he'd been Southern, he would have made "a good old boy." Not many professors of his caliber are as nice, sweet and positive as Dr. Salem was. So encouraging and inspiring to me and other students. I was saddened by his death. My condolences to his wife, children and grandchildren.
Lydia Smith
1953 Model
AMS M.A. 2001
Kathy Karbash
July 12, 2012
Hi Donna....Soooo Sorry to hear of Jim's passing....prayers for you and the family....have so many fond memories of him through all our years of growing up in Delavan...of our fun times together and being in each other's wedding. We all thought of you at our Class Reunion a couple weeks ago...wished you could have been there....
Ed O'Neil
July 11, 2012
Donna, you won't remember me, but I graduated from New College in 1974 and was the first MA grad from the Am Studies program in 75. Jim was one of my inspirations to become a faculty member and just last week I retired as a Professor from the medical school at UC San Francisco. When I am asked how someone with a PhD in AM Studies can have a career in medicine, I repeat something I learned from Jim and never forgot, "If you can understand the culture of a thing, person or place you already know all you need." It has served me well. I will always remember him as one of the greatest of teachers and send my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
1972
Michael Salem
July 11, 2012
July 11, 2012
It's difficult to align the Dr. James Salem with the memory I have of Jim the Class Cutup. Many fond memories from DHS, class of 1956.My best to the family. Barbara Anderson Brubaker, Carmi Illinois.
Loretta Phillips-Gulley
July 11, 2012
Dear Donna, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I am so sorry and sad to hear of Jim's passing. It was great to see the two of you at our 50th class reunion. Keeping you in my prayers.
Joey Thompson
July 11, 2012
Dr. Salem and the American Studies Department introduced me to cultural studies and changed the course of my life in the process. I remain grateful for his guidance, candor, encouragement, and great stories. It was a pleasure to be his student.
Lou & Connie Ikner
July 11, 2012
Dr. Salem made a huge impact on the lives of many people (our family especially). He was a kind, wonderful and fun neighbor for many years, and my children loved him dearly. He will always be part of our memories.
Mary Lee
July 11, 2012
I had the pleasure of being his student and even now can visualize clearly sitting in his office and his class learning from him. American Studies was a special part of my education and Dr. Salem will always be a part of that moment. Thank-you to his family for sharing him with all the rest of us. It was a beautiful service.
Germaine Leichtenberg
July 10, 2012
Dear Donna, I was so sorry to hear about Jim's death. Looking at the photos below gave me a jolt to see the prom pictures that I have in my album from so many years ago. It just doesn't seem that long. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sending you a big hug...Germaine (Benson) Leichtenberg
July 10, 2012
Dear Donna and Family. Our thoughts are with you during this sad time. We have many fond memories of Jim and the early years when we all first came to Tuscaloosa when our children were young. With deepest condolences from us all.
Diane Eddins and Family
July 10, 2012
I had the pleasure of being at Alabama the same 40 plus years that Jim was there and he was always one of the good guys, recognized by colleagues, friends, students and staff, and admired for is dedication and immense abilities to make American Studies come alive. He is missed already, but thankfully, memories endure. Jerry Rosenberg
Bill Marshall
July 10, 2012
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Jim's passing. He was a wonderful teacher and an even better person. I'm sorry I can't be there today, but Donna and the family are in my prayers.
Denise Harold
July 10, 2012
Dear Betsy and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. We hope your family finds comfort in the memories you hold dear, as well as in all the beautiful stories being shared about your Dad. We hope you will find peace, as well, in the love and support of your family and friends. With love, from Kristen and Denise Harold and family
Shane Salem
July 10, 2012
Jim was a good man and will be missed. Rest in peace Uncle Jim.
Casey Salem
July 9, 2012
Even though we haven't seen each other very much over the years but I have enjoyed every moment. You will be missed terribly.
Patrick Salem
July 9, 2012
My heart goes out to you Donna and your family, for the loss of uncle Jim. Never had alot of time to talk with him. When i did it was so inspiring, Rest in Piece uncle Jim.
Dave and Jessica Clare
July 9, 2012
Betsy and Family - Reading through the messages that others have left for your sweet father, there is no denying that he touched so many... I know he will be missed greatly each and everyday. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers!
Veronica Pruitt
July 9, 2012
Donna, Jon, and Family, I am still at a loss for words. Dr. Salem was more than a boss to me. He treated me like a daughter and I loved him dearly. I pray that the Lord gives you all peace and comforted hearts. Love you Donna!
Sandra and Randy Perkins
July 9, 2012
Salem family: Your dad was one in a million. So funny and so sweet. I always thought y'all had the coolest parents! What a loss for the UA and what a loss for humanity. Did he ever had a bad day? I don't think I ever saw him when he was not smiling. We are all much better for having known Jim. Warmest wishes to Donna and the entire family. We will certainly miss him.
Ryan Nolan
July 9, 2012
I remember the time when we gave Matt one of George's treats and Matt started to pass gas. I will never forget Grandpa
Luke Kuchenberg
July 9, 2012
Donna and the entire Salem family,
We are very sorry to hear of your sudden loss. Jim was a special person and one we will miss dearly. In his honor, we are making a donation to the American Studies Jim Salem Memorial Scholarship to continue his legacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time.
Lisa O'Dell
July 8, 2012
Betsy and Family I saw this quote and immediately thought of you..."When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.." You will feel much pain, sadness and anger over the next days, weeks and months. However.. you will also find yourself smiling (and at times laughing) when you remember your Dad. Let the smiles and laughter be part of your healing. I pray God's peace on you and your entire Family.
Barry Hendrix
July 8, 2012
I can't express fully how much Dr. Salem meant to me. He influenced me and thousands of students. He was just so much fun to be around. He really cared about his students. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I'm so sorry I can't make it to the service. I'm so glad I got to see him at the Last Lecture.
Michael Salem
July 8, 2012
Jim and Bob
Michael Salem
July 8, 2012
Jim hard at work
Michael Salem
July 8, 2012
Jim loved his music 1961
Michael Salem
July 8, 2012
Jim and Donna Prom
Michael Salem
July 8, 2012
Jim and his Family
Michael Salem
July 8, 2012
Jim and his Family
Michael Salem
July 8, 2012
Jim at his Mother Blances 90th
Michael Salem
July 8, 2012
1948 with his Father Carlton and Brother Bob
Michael Salem
July 8, 2012
Graduation 1958
Michael Salem
July 8, 2012
Sandy Salem
July 8, 2012
We are truly saddened by Uncle Jim's passing. Taken too soon, we wish we had more time with him. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. He had such a wonderful outlook on things, a great sense of humor, and he sure had a way of capturing your attention with his spoken words. He will be missed.
Portia Hopkins
July 8, 2012
You are in our Thoughts and Prayers Donna! Dr. Salem was a wonderful professor and person! He sparked my interest in American Studies and all things Beatles! He will be deeply missed.
Robert Peacock
July 8, 2012
Jim was a guiding light for me personally and professionally. I will always carry his inquisitive and sharing spirit with me. My thoughts and prayers are with the Salem family. (M.A., American Studies, '94)
Harry Lipson III
July 8, 2012
I majored in American Studies, graduating in 1971 and I will forever be grateful to Jim, who was the best professor I ever had. He was a trailblazer and the first adult that I knew who questioned authority with reason and humor.
Jim influenced my life's work (HarryShots.com), and he certainly lives on in the respect of Alabama students that he challenged and mentored. Thanks, Dr. Salem.
Harry Lipson III
Boston
Kathy Oths
July 8, 2012
Jim was kind, thoughtful, humorous, and full of zest...one of those people you always enjoy running into. My heart goes out to Donna and the family for your untimely loss.
Jennifer Collins
July 8, 2012
Dear Donna and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rest in Peace Jim Salem Thank you for being you.
Jim Salem welcomed me with open arms into the fold of American Studies. It has been said more than once that I didn't find American Studies, American Studies found me. I was lucky to have studied with Jim Salem in his class on the 1950s and his infamous Beatles class. I was privileged to attend the first of the Last Lecture Series where Jim Salem presented his great oratory on Don McLean and American Pie. He encouraged me and treated me like an equal. I will forever be grateful for having known Dr. Jim Salem.
Jennifer Collins
July 8, 2012
Dearest Donna and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.Rest in Peace Dr. Jim Salem Thank you for being you.
Jim Salem welcomed me with open arms into the fold of American Studies. It has been said more than once that I didn't find American Studies, American Studies found me. I was lucky to have studied with Jim Salem in his class on the 1950s and his infamous Beatles class. I was privileged to attend the first of the Last Lecture Series where Jim Salem presented his great oratory on Don McLean and American Pie. He encouraged me and treated me like an equal. I will forever be grateful for having known Dr. Jim Salem.
Ginger Wood
July 8, 2012
Thank-you Jim Salem for letting me be your friend! Love you Donna so sorry for your loss
Ginger Wood
July 8, 2012
Jim Salem was one in a million! So honored to call him my friend!
Jeff Parker
July 8, 2012
I'm so sorry to learn this. Warm wishes to the entire family. Jim was a great colleague and a sweet and kind man.
Sherry Koenigs
July 8, 2012
Betsy & family, our hearts go out to all of you. We are so sorry for your loss.
Doug Chapman
July 8, 2012
Donna and family, I was saddened the learn of Jim's death. He was a splendid gentleman. I always looked forward to your visits to the store and seeing him while I was a student. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. -Doug Chapman
Michael Salem
July 8, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time and always.
Uncle Jim, it is so hard to beliveve that you are gone.I can still remember our last call we had together.I will never forget how you where always there when I needed to talk or get some advice.There are so many things that I would love share on how great you where,But I think I will keep that in a very special spot in my heart to remember you by.I needed to hear your voice one more time so I watched your last Lecture in 2008 of Bye Bye Miss American Pie.I just wish we all had more time to be with you and tell you how much we loved you. You will be missed and always remembered in our hearts.
Tim & Debbie Pettit
July 8, 2012
Our thoughts & prayers are with you all. May your beautiful memories ease the grief & help through this difficult time.
Cleve Poole
July 7, 2012
Jim was my teacher in undergraduate school at Alabama, and then became my advisor, and then became my friend. I first encountered Jim in an American Studies class on Rock 'n' Roll. He was in the middle of his "music phase," helping the Locust Fork Band get their album recorded and released. He and Bill Marshall, the lead guitarist for the band, were partners in the publishing company of their music, American Pie Publishing. I remember a test question was to name the members of the band. When Jim ended up being my student advisor, we visited more and more, and our mutual interest in music was our initial bond.
In the fall of 1978, Jim secured for me and a few others, an old psychology observation suite in the basement of Ten Hoor, and we turned it into a recording studio. It was ideally designed with a soundproof room that served as the studio and an observation room that served as the control room. I took an independent study course that Jim oversaw, and we cut demo tapes in the "studio." I was spending probably about 40 hours a week there. The spring semester the following year, Jim changed the course number, and we did it all over again. During the interim term, I took our demo tapes to Nashville to sell them (with no success, other than course credit).
By the time I graduated, I considered Jim more than a mentor; he was my friend. During law school, his house was often a refuge, a place to relax, drink a few beer, and get away from the law. Our friendship continued after I left Tuscaloosa, and I would try to visit a couple of times a year, emailing often, sharing jokes, Alabama Football info, music trivia, and political chit-chat. Jim was a liberal, a Democrat, and I am the exact opposite. He'd make fun of Bush (or Reagan or the other Bush), I'd make fun of Obama (or Carter or Clinton), and we got along famously, with never a harsh word spoken between us.
In 2008, Jim was voted by students to give "the last lecture," an honor, especially as he was retiring. The students vote on a teacher that they would like to hear if they could hear only one more lecture. Jim gave his presentation on the Don McLean song, American Pie (the video of the presentation is available here http://graduate.ua.edu/events/lastlecture2008.mov ). As was often the case, Jim had technical difficulties, and called me down from the audience to assist. Fay and I were certainly there; we wouldn't have missed it.
I asked Jim that day how many of his students he kept up with like he and I kept up with each other. He told me I was the only one. I was surprised by the answer, as he had been such a formative figure in my life, I assumed that he had had a similar effect on many, many others. All I know is that he was one of the most formative people in my life outside of my family.
I will miss him.
Carson Nolan
July 7, 2012
I loved Grandpa a lot. I remember the time we secretly went to T.C.B.Y. and I spilled some on my pants. I will always remember him.
July 7, 2012
I will never forget the time we went on campus and bought frozen yogurt. I will never forget him. Berkley Nolan
Traci & Donavan Tate
July 7, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time and always!
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