November 14, 1986 – October 12, 2022
James Talbot was born November 14, 1986, in Murray, Utah. In 2002, at age 16, he moved with his family to Orcas Island. For the past five years, he waged a fight against what he called his “inner demons.” On October 12, 2022, James took his own life.
As a child and teenager, James was passionate about fishing. He and his best friend, Weston, fished virtually every day, most often at Tibble Fork Reservoir in Utah’s American Fork Canyon. A Junior League bowler, James had a perfect game going into the last frame until a crowd gathered at his lane in response to a loudspeaker announcement. James continued his athleticism at Orcas Island High School, where he was a forward and co-captain of the basketball team. A highlight was playing a game at Key Arena, prior to a Sonics game.
After graduating from OIHS, James worked in construction for 12 years, primarily as a drywaller. He loved holidays; Christmas was his favorite.
James was proud of his daughter, Alecia, who he always called “Shorty.” It was a standing joke: Alecia is quite tall; James was 6’4”. Alecia graduated from OIHS in June and is currently studying esthetics at Evergreen Beauty College in Bellingham.
James was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ted and Janice Talbot; his uncle, Ken Birdsong; and his aunt, Donna Randal. In addition to his daughter Alecia, he is survived by Alecia’s mother, Rachel Naumann; his infant daughter, Skylar Talbot, and her mother, Kaylee Thibert; his mother, Darlene Talbot; father, Jim Talbot; grandparents Ron and Jeanne Birdsong; sisters Jessica (Mark) Chaves and Mandi (Justin) Anderson; brother Keith Talbot; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
James was a loving, caring, sensitive, funny, strong, dependable, kind, giving, beautiful person who lost his way. You may remember him by helping others find their way. Donations to support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention may be made through the James Talbot Memorial Fund, sponsored by Darlene, Jessica, Rachel, and Alecia. To donate, please visit https://supporting.afsp.org/campaign/James-Talbot-Memorial-Fund-
A celebration of James’s life will take place in early 2023.
To share memories of James, please visit https://www.evanschapel.com/obituary/james-talbot
