James “Jim” Salmanson
.
James “Jim” Salmanson, 81, died on June 6th, 2026, at his home in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, after a brief illness.
Jim lived a full and energetic life, marked by ambition, curiosity, loyalty to family, and a deep engagement with the world around him. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, on May 10, 1945, to Samuel and Hilda (Mittleman) Salmanson, Jim grew up with a strong sense of family, enterprise, and responsibility.
After graduating from Hope High School, Jim attended Syracuse University and after he earned his MBA from Babson College he joined the family business, Adams and Brooks Drug Stores. Founded by his grandfather Barnett, his father Samuel, and his uncles Leonard, Charles, and Donald. Adams and Brooks were more than a business; it was a family legacy. As part of the third generation, Jim played an important role in helping build the company into a chain of approximately 500 stores across 10 states. He later served as President of the company until its sale.
Although Jim made his home in Massachusetts after college, he commuted daily to Rhode Island to work at the Adams headquarters — a reflection of both his work ethic and his devotion to the family enterprise.
Jim’s entrepreneurial spirit continued well beyond Adams and Brooks. He pursued interests in media, including a multimedia production company and a movie theater in Massachusetts. He was also deeply interested in politics and public affairs. In retirement, he devoted significant time and thought to writing a book about the state of the nation, a project that was close to completion and reflected his lifelong engagement with ideas, debate, and the direction of the country.
Jim also gave his time to charitable and community institutions in the Boston area and remained connected to the communities and causes that mattered to him.
He loved sports, especially the Boston Celtics, and for many years held floor seats at the Boston Garden.
Most of all, Jim will be remembered by those closest to him as a beloved father, brother, uncle, and grandfather. He leaves behind his cherished son, Brian, who has been his caregiver for several years; his devoted sister, Tobey Oresman; his brother-in-law, Richard Oresman; his niece, Lauren (Marc) Regardie; his nephew Matthew (Kati) Oresman; and his great niece and great nephews, Rachel, Max, and Sam Regardie.
Funeral Services in the Priest Chapel at Lincoln Memorial Park, 1469 Post Rd., Warwick, RI on Tuesday, June 9th at 11:30 am. Remembrances may be made to Friends of Dana-Farber, (friends@dfci.harvard.edu )or 617-632-3909.