Rev. Dr. James E. Salmon Sr.

James Ephesus Salmon, Sr., affectionately known to his family as "June", was born on June 4, 1937, in Lugoff, SC, and raised in the Kirkwood neighborhood of Camden, SC with his parents, King and Alberta, and his ten brothers and sisters. It was in Camden that James first came to know the Lord, giving his life to Christ with his baptism at age twelve, at Mount Zion Baptist Church.

In his teen years, James found a love of golf working as a caddy at the Camden Country Club, while also pursuing his high school diploma. He completed his high school studies at Jackson High School, Camden, SC, in June of 1955.

Immediately after finishing high school, James relocated to Paterson, NJ to make his way in the world by continuing his studies in plumbing, electrical and heating at Central High School. It was at that time he became a member of New Christian Missionary Baptist Church, his spiritual home for 70 years.

James later went on to earn academic achievements in Public Speaking, Marketing, Sociology, and Music, before eventually being awarded a bachelor's degree of Theology from Andersonville Baptist Seminary, Camilla, GA and a Doctorate of Divinity from Buxton University in December 2002. From 1956 until 1963, James held jobs with Passaic County Golf Course, Wayne, NJ (1956-1958), and Chesterfield & Arrow Upholstery, Paterson & Fairlawn, NJ (1958-1963). However, it was in 1963 that he began his first career with Public Service Electric & Gas Company, where he worked his way up to Specialist & Public Buildings Inspector. He retired after more than 31 years of loyal service in 1994. It was during these years that James began to reach back to serve his community through his civic, fraternal, community and religious organizations.

He turned his love of golf into the creation of the Pioneer Golf Club in 1958, holding golf tournaments and dinner dances, which provided financial support to local struggling students. After becoming a Master Mason in 1961, he was elected to serve as: District Grand Lecturer of the 7th Masonic District, District Deputy, the Worshipful Master of Integrity Lodge #51, F&AM, PHA, Paterson, NJ (1967-68), the purchasing agent for what is now the Masonic Temple in Paterson (1974), and Grand Master of all Prince Hall Free Masons of New Jersey (1985-1987). continued to support efforts that uplifted children and Paterson community by working with Paterson's Concern Parents for Head Start in its infancy and later served as in President Pro-Tem (1968). He also volunteered his time President of the Paterson Task Force (1988-1993). Rev. Salmon became officially licensed to preach in 1989, and after serving Assistant Pastor for four years, he was elected to be the Pastor of NCMBC (January 1994). Rev. Salmon went on to serve as the Pastor and servant-leader New Christian Missionary Baptist Church for a nearly the decade tenure. With his passion for God, community, and family he went on to hold roles such as President of the Paterson Pastors' Workshop (2002-2006), Committee Member of the Passaic County Child Placement Review Board (2003-2008), Project Director of Operation Cease Fire (2006-2015), and a Member the Democratic National Committee.

He continued until the end of his life to champion causes near to his heart and show: compassion to the often-unseen lives in his community, matter how great or small. Whether he was working on the committee to elect (now former President) Barack H. Obama (2008), serving as Chaplain at the Passaic County Jail, or feeding the animals who called his yard home, Rev. Salmon led a life gratitude, acknowledging that "all of my help comes from the Almighty." He chose to spread, that love through his lifelong commitment to the betterment and support of those around him.

Reverend Salmon was predeceased by his parents King Salmon Sr. and Alberta (Belton) Salmond, his siblings - Robert Lee Vemell "Curley", Rosabelle, King Jr., Willie "Billie", Georg Joseph "Joe" and Dolly - and his grandsons, Dwayne Salmon a Charles Feaster, Jr., affectionately known as "Cee Jay".

Rev. Dr. James Ephesus Salmon, Sr., Pastor Emeritus of New Christian Missionary Baptist Church of Paterson, NJ, peacefully entered eternal rest, at his home in Paterson, NJ, on Sunday, August 10, 2025. He was 88 years old.

Left to cherish his memory are: his loving wife of over 60 year Deaconess Janie (Harris) Salmon, his children, Lisa (Salmon Feaster and James "Jimmy" Salmon, Jr. (Tammy), both of Paterson and Minister Amir Salmon of Atlanta, GA, five granddaughter Chavon (Jay), Amira, Aziza, Akili, and Aneesah, nine great grandchildren, his daughter-in-love, Gilda (Benson) Salmon, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, friend colleagues and all of the people whose lives he touched.