James G. Talbot
June 06, 1927 - November 29, 2014
- Share:
James G. Talbot
June 06, 1927 - November 29, 2014
Obituary
Jim was born and raised in the Laurelhurst neighborhood of Seattle. After graduating from Lakeside High School in 1945, he served in the Merchant Marines and then received a degree in economics from the University of Washington. Later, Jim served on the boards of Lakeside School and Western Washington University.
Like his father, Arch Talbot, Jim was a tenacious and lifelong entrepreneur. Besides expanding the family business, Bellingham Cold Storage, he also founded the real estate development firm Barkley Company, a mixed-use urban village in northeast Bellingham. Over the years, Jim was active in many fishing and seafood ventures as well, the most notable of which was US-USSR Marine Resources Company (MRC), the first ever Soviet-American joint venture. Founded in 1976 at the height of the cold war, MRC hired American catcher boats to deliver fish to Soviet processing vessels off the US West Coast and Alaska. At a time of serious political tensions, the company provided the opportunity for hundreds of Russians and Americans to work side by side for common benefit, spawning friendships, business enterprises and many adventures that transcended political or ideological lines, including the Bellingham-Nakhodka sister-city relationship and countless cultural, educational and sports exchanges.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Joyce in 2013, and is survived by his sister Prudence, his two children Stowe and Jane, and four grandchildren. At his request, no service will be held. Donations in his memory can be sent to Whatcom Hospice and Alzheimers Society.
6 responses to James G. Talbot
Tim Unger says:
November 29, 2014
Dear Stowe, Jane & family,I just wanted you both to know how much your father meant to me. In the summer of 1980 your Dad gave the opportunity of a lifetime to a lead forklift driver. The only thing the driver had going for him was that he had graduated from college. That driver was me of course and I will always, always appreciate your father giving me that chance. I owe so much to your Dad and your family that I can never show enough appreciation. He was a great man who had such great vision. I admired him for sticking to his vision regardless of what others thought. He also had a knack for finding the right people who fit into his plan and he had the sense to let them work to accomplish it. I know these last years have not been easy for you and having gone through something similar with my mother I can understand the things you have dealt with and the emotions involved.
May you find peace in this time and great comfort in the memories of your Father.
Tim
Yana Law says:
November 29, 2014
My deepest condolences to the Talbot family. It sounds like Mr. Jim Talbot was a great man with a big heart and passion to unite our cultures, and will be dearly missed. Many prayers, love, and strength to your family!
Greg Grant says:
November 29, 2014
Dear Stowe and familyWe are so sorry for your loss
Your dad was an incredible asset to this community and touched so many lives in so many ways. He was a brilliant man who had the respect of all who knew him and he will be missed.
Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers
Greg and Elizabeth
Bob Knutson says:
November 29, 2014
My sincere condolences to the Talbot family.
Jim Talbot left a great legacy in Bellingham. From creating jobs at BCS to the Barkley Village project. He was a great man and visionary!! I had the privilege of knowing and working for Mr. Talbot. It was the best decision of my life to come to work at BCS!
I will cherish the memories of working for Jim Talbot!!
To the Talbot family:
May you hold and cherish your memories of this great man.
For now he is in a better place and for sure he is looking out for his family and employees!!!
God Bless you in your time of grieving.
With Blessed thoughts.
Bob Knutson
J.C. Coleman says:
November 29, 2014
i remember mr. Talbot would stop in on night shift occasionally. until someone told me who he was i thought he was a customer representative because he looked at the product i was working with closely. he was polite and considerate of the employees. thanks to mr. Talbot i had a steady job for 20 years and good insurance to help me afterward.