James A. Talbott

James A. Talbott passed away on April 23, 2024 at his home in Cadiz, Ohio surrounded by his loving family.  He was born May 15, 1922, near Dillonvale, Ohio and in a few weeks would have been 102 years old.  He was an identical twin to David C. Talbott who was 101 years old at his passing.

Jim was raised on a farm, was first educated in a one-room schoolhouse, then attended junior high in Smithfield and Adena High School. He worked at the Farm Bureau in Adena and then for many years at Hanna/Consol Coal Company in Cadiz as a mechanic and UMWA member.  He was known as “the million-dollar man” because he could fix anything. He was a veteran of World War II (1942-1945).  As a sergeant in the United States Army, he served throughout the European Theater including Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. He was a member of the American Legion.

In 1945 he wed Midge Dowdle and they were married for 71 years before her death in 2016.  

Jim is survived by his daughters, Karen Talbott of Akron and Kathy Barker (Dr. Gary, considered like a son) of Cadiz; two grandchildren, Rev. Ashley Steele (Matthew) of Imperial, PA and Christopher Barker (Erika) of Cuyahoga Falls; three great grandsons, Theo, Elliot and Spencer Steele; many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors (who had “elected” him Mayor of Cadiz Heights).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Almon and Mary Jane Talbott;   sisters, Martha Long and Ruth Aspinall; and brothers, Erve, Bill, Dave and Harvey Talbott; and his wife, Midge Talbott.

“Pop” taught his grandchildren how to garden, was their chauffer growing up, and was a mentor to them their entire lives.  His love and support extended to his great grandsons as well.  He said he enjoyed his life, appreciated his friends, the kindnesses provided to him by many over the years, and achieved his life’s goals which included assuring a good education for both of his daughters.

In lieu of flowers, he requested that memorial contributions be made in his name to The Urban Mission, 311 North 6^th Street, Steubenville, Ohio 43952.

Calling hours will be on Friday, April 26th from 12pm to 2pm with the service immediately following at Clark-Kirkland-Barr Funeral Home in Cadiz. Internment will be held at Cadiz Union Cemetery with military honors by the Cadiz American Legion.   Officiating the service will be his granddaughter, Rev. Ashley Steele.