Gerard "Jerry" Edward Salmon

Gerard Edward Salmon, 75, of Lynchburg, Virginia, died on October 11, 2025. He was the son of the late Edward John Salmon and Jean Martin Salmon.

Jerry was born on October 8, 1950, in Trenton, NJ. He graduated from Campbell College and earned a Master’s Degree in Education at Lynchburg College.

Jerry was a long-time teacher and coach. For the majority of his career, he coached and taught World History at Brookville High School, leaving his long-time position in order to teach AP US History at his alma mater, E.C. Glass, while his three sons were students. Over the course of his career, he also taught or coached at Virginia Episcopal School, Holy Cross Catholic School, and Randolph-Macon Woman’s College. He coached football, swimming, track and field, and cross country at the high school level. He also coached swimming for children of all ages at Wildwood Swim Club, Poplar Forest, Boonsboro Country Club, and the YMCA. In 1987, Jerry became the first male coach at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College when he began a 13-year career as the Wildcats’ swim coach. His coaching career at R-MWC included a host of wonderful athletes, babysitters for his boys, and the honor of being named ODAC Coach of the Year in 1994. He was named Coach of the Year and received numerous honors throughout his teaching and coaching career. He enjoyed the accolades but more rewarding were his athletes, his coaching colleagues, and the friendships that developed and continued. Jerry also loved the strategy involved in putting together a winning meet and spent many happy hours planning the swim team and track meet lineups. He aimed always to maximize his athletes’ talents and outscore his opponents.

Jerry is survived by his wife Nina; sons Marshall, Patrick (Lindsay), and Harris; grandson Charlie; brother Thomas Salmon (Lynda); sister-in-law Judy Salmon; brothers- and sisters-in-law Hank and Legare Vest and Rob and Katherine Vest; mother-in-law Ann Vest; and beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Salmon, and his father-in-law, the Rt. Rev. Frank Harris Vest, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charitable organization of your choice.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 1:00 pm at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lynchburg with a reception to follow in the parish hall.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.