Melissa James Salmon, 53, of Lithia, Florida received her angel wings while in the arms of her loving husband, David and son Addison on Saturday morning, May 7th.

Melissa was born on November 30th, 1968 in Honolulu, Hawaii and raised in Indiana by her father and mother. Their family moved to New Jersey where she and Dave met in High School. She attended Syracuse University in New York and graduated with a degree in Communications in 1991. Melissa and David were married on June 27th, 1992 in Kinnelon, NJ. They would have celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary next month, and were high school sweethearts. Melissa had a successful career in advertising in New York City, even working in the famous Flatiron Building, until she was called to a new occupation - being the best mother she could be to her growing family.

Melissa was a beloved wife and an amazing mother to her five children. She was a cherished daughter to her parents. And a big sister you could always rely on and trust. Melissa loved her family deeply. She nourished a warm and welcoming home, loved to give impromptu parties and host her large family on Holidays. Melissa was loved by so very many people and was the first one to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Her huge circle of friends are going to miss her presence and smiling face every day. The family is overwhelmed by the number of people whose lives were touched by Melissa and who loved her.

She is survived by her husband, David J. Salmon; her five children Hayden Salmon and wife Kai Salmon, Kendall Salmon, Jordyn Salmon, Addison Salmon and Leighton Salmon; her parents George James and Linda Kernodle James; her sisters Jennifer James and Ashley Andrews; and her niece and nephew Olivia and Jaxon. Melissa was predeceased by her grandparents, Robert and Shirley Kernodle, and her mother-in-law Marge Musso. She is also mourned by her many aunts, uncles, cousins, and her enormous group of friends.

We, the family, are at a loss as to how we will navigate our lives without her; she was always the glue that held everything together and had a solution for everything. But we know our sweet Melissa is watching over us and can see just how much she is loved and missed. Heaven will never look better now that she is there to organize it with her special touch!

The family will receive friends Friday, May 13th at 4pm at the FishHawk Fellowship Church located at 15326 FishHawk Blvd, Lithia, Florida 33547. John Caterson will be leading the Celebration of Melissa's life.

The family asks that attendees honor Melissa by dressing in the bright and beautiful colors she loved to wear. Condolences may be sent to the family at home, or memorial donations made out to the

International Rett Syndrome Foundation in honor of Melissa and her daughter Kendall at the link below.

https://www.rettsyndrome.org/get-involved/donate/donate-now/