John J. "JJ" Salem

John J. "J.J." Salem, 68, of Naples, FL, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 26, 2025, after a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Born on August 4, 1956, in Pittsburgh, PA, he was the son of the late Alexander N. and Marilyn B. (née Maddox) Salem. J.J. was raised in Levittown, PA, and had called Naples home since the early 1980s. After graduating high school, J.J. pursued his passion for aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, becoming both a commercial and private pilot. He proudly served in the United States Air Force, stationed in the Philippines. In the 1980s, he founded Horizon Air, based in Princeton, NJ, offering charter flights primarily from Atlantic City to Las Vegas. It was during this chapter of his life that he met Donald Trump, whom he continued to support throughout his life. Following the sale of Horizon Air, J.J. shifted his focus to real estate, working with Keller Williams Realty and RE/MAX in Yardley, PA. He also owned and operated Duffy’s Restaurant in Whitehouse, NJ. As a devoted single parent, J.J. played an active role in his children’s education at Hope Lutheran School and Calvary Full Gospel Schools, serving as a recess aide, yearbook printer, and even providing basketball hoops for the school. A man of deep faith, J.J. served as a deacon at Faith Baptist Church in Fairless, PA, and after returning to Naples in 2015, became a member of St. Paul Orthodox Christian Church. He revived Horizon Air in Naples, flying private charters until his ALS diagnosis in November 2024. An avid golfer, J.J. enjoyed many rounds at Lely Golf Club and was a proud member of the NRA. He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his devotion to his children and grandchildren, and his unwavering faith. He is survived by his two beloved children, Rebecca E. Weaver of Naples, FL, and Alexander J. Salem of Philadelphia, PA; his cherished grandchildren, Liam Alexander Weaver and Nora Elena Weaver; his brother, Thomas Salem (Loretta) of Lebanon, NJ; his sister, Mary E. Orrell of Pennsylvania; and his uncle, George Salem, also of Pennsylvania. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, beginning at 9:30 AM at St. Paul Orthodox Christian Church, 2524 Rivers Road, Naples, FL, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 AM. Additional services will be held in Whitehouse Station, NJ, with burial to follow in Rural Hill Cemetery. To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home – Family Owned and Operated Since 1978.

John J. "JJ" Salem

August 4, 1956 - June 26, 2025