James Peter Talbert was born on June 13, 1938 to the late Joe Talbert and Helen Price Talbert in Edgefield, South Carolina. At an early age he attended Mt. Moriah Baptist Church where he was a faithful member. He received his education from Edgefield County public schools, SC. Later, James went to live with his Aunt Annie Bell and Uncle Capers in Camden, NJ. Then proceeded to Washington DC to live with his sisters Alpha Carr and Beatrice Plater. He graduated from Bell Vocational High School in Washington DC as an Automotive Mechanic Technician.
James known as Sonny, went on a venture. He was a jack of all trades. He sang with the Spencer Taylor and The Highway QC. He worked at Providence Hospital in Washington, DC. He was a boxer, long distance truck driver, a firefighter, and worked on the Pacific Railroads. After all that, he went back to his first professional love of automotive mechanic as an entrepreneur for over 40 years. He played football and was a diehard Washington Redskins fan. In 1976, he met the love of his life Jo Ann and married on July 1, 1978.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by siblings, Curtis Talbert, Joe (Hick) Talbert, Clarence Talbert, Johnnie Mae Talbert Bowman, and William Talbert.
Those who will always cherish and honor his memories are: his devoted wife of 40 blissful years - Jo Ann McCormick Talbert, of the home. His legacy of love that will be cherished in the hearts of his children are: son, Willie L. Johnson, Jr. of Washington, DC; daughters, Deborah P. Carmichael of Washington, DC; Teresa A. Williams (Terry, Sr. ) of Goldsboro, NC; Sharon M. Talbert of Alexandria, VA; one brother, Troy (Fellie) Talbert, Edgefield, SC; seven sisters, Alpha Carr, Waldrof, MD; Beatrice (Leroy) Plater, and Georgia Lindsey both Aiken, SC; Annie Mae Christie and Martha Walker of Edgefield, SC; Omelia (William) Anderson, Johnston, SC and Mildred (Nathan) Goodwin, Trenton, SC; two aunts, Ruth (Rev. Ernest) Gordon, Edgefield, SC and Willie Lee (Charles) Wilson, Washington, DC; one uncle, W.P. Talbert, Washington, DC; three sisters in-laws: Calperine Reed, Carolyn Ray, and Darlene Owens; two brother in-laws: Charles Reed and Angus McCormick (Yvonne); ten grandchildren: Shalonda, Darlene, William (d), Ronnay, Terry Jr., Mary, Elisha, Antonio, Erin, Marvin and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and sorrowing friends who will miss him dearly. James had a lifelong friend James (Red) Adams. James will be missed but never forgotten because his spirit remains in everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of James P. Talbert, please visit our floral store.