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CSM James F. Talbot, Jr.

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Beloved husband, father and grandfather CSM James F. Talbot, Jr. (Ret) died on November 14, 2022. He leaves behind his loving wife, Anne, his siblings Veronica, Gwenn, Sharon and Jere, his children Kimberley, Carolyn and Kirsten, sons-in-law Kevin and Mark, and his grandchildren Jessica, Jillian, James and Claire. We invite you to join us in celebrating his life on Friday, December 9. A viewing will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton at 10:30 am, followed by Mass at 12:30. His interment at Sandhills Cemetery, with military honors, will begin at 2:00 pm.

 

Born in 1943 to James Sr. and Georgia Talbot in New Roads, LA, James (Jim) felt every dish was better with some Tabasco, from breakfast eggs to his own chicken and sausage gumbo. As a teenager, he moved with his family to Colonial Heights, VA. He was the kind of kid who played football, made great grades, was on the cover of the paper as an Eagle Scout, but still knew how to help his baby sister with her pigtails. 

 

He joined the army in 1963. He strove to be the best, and was inspired by President John F. Kennedy to join the Special Forces. Jim spent 20 years in Special Forces, serving in 1st, 3rd, 5th and 6th groups. After his first tour on Okinawa, he served at the ROTC detachment at the University of Richmond. He then served 4 tours in the Vietnam War, some of that in Laos. He was awarded 3 Bronze Stars, one for Valor, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, with Palm. On returning to Ft. Bragg, he served at the James Gabriel Demonstration Center and Special Warfare Center. Leaving SF was one of the hardest decisions of his life, but he was honored to be accepted to the Sergeants Major Academy, where he later became an instructor. He served as CSM for the 1st Armored 36th Infantry in Friedberg, Germany. He returned stateside to serve with the 1st of the 502nd Infantry at Ft.Campbell, KY. He was awarded the Legion of Merit award, and then retired in July of 1989 after 28 years of active duty. 

 

Jim studied karate while on Okinawa, and became a 3rd degree black belt. He taught karate in Fayetteville for many years. A paratrooper, he was a highly-skilled skydiver, who spent much of his spare time at the drop zone on Raeford Road, and was a member of the United States Parachute Association all his life. The baton from his HALO jump with the Golden Knights was among his most prized possessions. 

 

On retiring, Jim returned to his home, Ft. Bragg. He worked in MWR, managing the stables and Smith Lake for several years. And he just stepped down from his most recent role as an IT contractor at an SF training facility in September, at 79 years of age. 

 

An avid golfer, he and his wife Anne enjoyed many events at several community golf courses. He was very proud of his 2 hole-in-ones, especially the one he got on Father's Day at Anderson Creek. He loved riding his motorcycles, and was a huge fan of Fort Bragg Harley-Davidson and was a member of the Ft. Bragg HOG Chapter.

 

In August of this year, James was honored by his family with a paver at the Airborne & Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, NC. We are thankful to the museum for providing the means for this "Quiet Professional" to tell his story to his family. And we are thankful to the Terry Sandford High School color guard for helping make that such a special day! His green beret, dog tags and CSM ring were on his dresser until the day he died. On hearing of his passing, his sister said, "Heaven got a hero today." He will be missed.

 

 In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Airborne & Special Operations Museum (https://www.asomf.org/donate) or the Tarheel Weimaraner Rescue (http://tarheelweimrescue.org), in honor of their beloved Maverick.

 

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