James Bernard Salmon

James Bernard was born March 28, 1941, in Little London, West Moreland to Clarissa Curtis and Theophilus Salmon. In 1959, at age 18, James joined the Jamaica Constabulary (Police) Force where he enjoyed a prestigious career serving his community and helping to maintain law and order. In 1964 he met and married Beverly Beckford (deceased) and had two children, Richard Patrick in 1965 and Jacqueline Beverly (deceased) in 1967.

He was part of the police force until he and his family immigrated to America, and in 1968 their third child Susan Marie was born in Brooklyn, NY. James was a draftsman for several construction companies in New York, until he obtained his computer programming certification and became a computer operator for various companies, including Manufacturers Handover Trust, IBM, and JPMorgan Chase.

James’ first wife Beverly tragically died of breast cancer in 1982, and James dutifully raised his three children as a single father. Tragedy struck again when his middle child Jacqueline died of leukemia in 1992. In 1996, James’ own battle with cancer began, and he relocated to Maryland to be closer to his youngest child Susan and begin treatment for prostate cancer, which he successfully overcame.

In 1997, James met Vinetta Williams. Two years later they were married on September 25th, 1999. Next month would have made 25 long years of a happy and healthy marriage.

He was affectionately known as “Mr. B” by his stepchildren, “Pops” and “Pumpa” by his grandchildren, and “G.G.” by his great grandchildren. He became a role model to his blended family by showing all the importance of love, integrity and perseverance. His kindness, wisdom and unwavering strength were a source of inspiration to us all.

Two more bouts of cancer would befall James over the next century, and this giant of a man courageously fought and beat cancer each time and lived the last 6 years of his life in remission. Unfortunately, in 2024 cancer was again detected while James was recovering from a medical crisis in the hospital. He spent his remaining time with his family and loved ones and approached his new battle with strength and humor, as he had done in the past.

Even on his death bed, James proved to be the fighter he is and continued to make strides in getting healthy. This time, however, the fight was much too great and on August 12th, 2024, he proudly went to be with the Lord.

James cherished his family, was an avid vegetable gardener, loved to cook, enjoyed music and dancing, and maintained long term friendships of over 60 years with many of the people he grew up with in Jamaica – he will be missed by all.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Beverly Salmon; and daughter, Jacqueline Salmon.

Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Vinetta Salmon; his children, Richard Salmon and wife, Brenda Salmon, Susan Cairnes, Gregory Bloomfield and wife, Lileth Bloomfield, Andrew Bloomfield, Paul Bloomfield and wife, Olga Bloomfield, Opal Knowles, Georgia Sweeting and husband, Gary Sweeting and Richard Bloomfield and wife, Julia Pinto Bloomfield; and his sister, Millicent Fuller. James is also survived by 19 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.