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James Talbot Obituary
Noted Seattle and Bellingham businessman James Greig Talbot passed away on November 29th, 2014. He was 87 years old. He will be remembered as a truly visionary entrepreneur with an irrepressible spirit of optimism.
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 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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Talbot
Sponsored by The Family.
J.C. Coleman
December 8, 2014
I last saw Mr. Talbot when I was working at the Orchard facility of BCS. He didn't like being addressed as Mr. Talbot. My condolences to the Talbot family.
Tresa Mariotto
December 8, 2014
Jane and Stowe, I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Ken Wirth
December 8, 2014
R.I.P. Mr Talbot. My prayers and thoughts to your family and friends. I hold fond memories of being employed by you at Bellingham Cold Storage. Spent a few times chatting with you standing out on the dock,donned in your raincoat and fedora. Still have the photos. A "Classy" guy.
Gene hooker
December 7, 2014
Many happy times were spent with Jim and Joyce. Their loss left a large void in our group of friends. Condolences to Jane, Stowe and Prudy.
Bill Geyer
December 6, 2014
Dear Stowe and the Talbot family, Jim will be remembered as a visionary that quietly shaped a part of Bellingham's waterfront and was a pioneer opening international opportunities in Russia. His gracious diplomacy will be greatly missed, but his accomplishments are evident throughout Bellingham. May God provide peace to Jim, and comfort the Talbot family.
Cheryl Metcalf
December 6, 2014
My love you all of you. I have a wonderful picture of your parents and mine in a speedboat, smiling, happy, young. That's how I'll always remember them.
December 5, 2014
I always enjoyed working with Jim Talbot finding property solutions for growth in Bellingham years ago. What a gentleman!
Chris Spens
Marlene Alexander
December 5, 2014
To the family; I never personally knew Mr. Talbot but nonetheless, will always remember how honest and forthcoming he and his partners were when first presenting the plans for Barkley Village. They facilitated a meeting with us Roosevelt homeowners to preview their plans and as the village grew, they stayed true to their plan and gave us the class development we have.
Robin & Fahri Ugurlu
December 5, 2014
Dear Stowe and Jane, You have our sincere thoughts and prayers. Your dad was a wonderful, smart and kind man.
Gene Knutson
December 5, 2014
I have had the pleasure of working for the Talbot family for over 39 years. Jim was a gentle giant in this city
creating thousands of jobs for many people over the last 68 years. His
legacy will continue with Stowe and
Jan at the helm. He was a great man.
May his soul rest in peace.
Jennifer Gray
December 5, 2014
Jane, Stowe and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. My you find peace in knowing he is with his love again. He was a great man and will be missed. Until we meet again....love you Jim
Lloyd Ludtke
December 5, 2014
a gentleman through and through, his likes will be tough to replace, Our LORD has brought home a true winner
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