James Hunter Talbott, Sr.

JAMES H. TALBOTT, SR. MT. SIDNEY, VA…. James Hunter Talbott, Sr., 84, died Sunday, November 13, 2016 with family by his side at his home in Mt. Sidney, Va.   Known by the community as “Coach T,” Talbott spent a lifetime doing what he truly loved--teaching kids for over thirty-three years at Riverheads High School and Shelburne Middle School. He was most well known for coaching baseball, gymnastics, and teaching kids how to march and square dance in phys ed class.  His gymnastics team put on shows to the amazement of parents as they watched their children fly through the air.  Talbott also taught gymnastics for the YMCA and at Fort Defiance High School after retiring from teaching in 1999. It was soon obvious that he wasn’t finished with the teaching career, and he continued to substitute teach at Lee High and Riverheads High School for another eleven years.  When not subbing, he was growing the county’s best tomatoes, sharing farm-fresh eggs with his neighbors and friends, and enjoying life on his ten acres with his dogs, cats, and chickens.  He also loved to share stories with former students and friends on his errands into Staunton. Talbott was a proud member of the United States Air Force and recently marched in the Veteran’s Day Parade in Staunton---wearing his original uniform.  He received his bachelor’s degree from Richmond Professional Institute (now Virginia Commonwealth University) and his Master’s from the University of Virginia. “Tiger” Talbott pitched for the Staunton Braves in the 40’s and 50’s.  It was his wicked wind up that so many people enjoyed watching. At his request, the body will be cremated.  A private burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 19.  A Celebration of His Life will be held on Sunday, November 20 in the Auditorium at Fort Defiance High School at 3:00 pm to which the community is invited to share stories and memories of a wonderful man.  Talbott was born Septmeber 6, 1932 in Pittsylvania County to Raleigh Arthur and Audrey Blanton Talbott, calling Dillwyn, Virginia, home as a child along with his seven siblings.  He was married for 57 years to Sara Jean Collins and had three children, Sherry Page, James Hunter, Jr. (Kip), and Kerry Patrick.  He is survived by his wife, son Kip, and daughter Sherry, grandchildren Lyndsay Elise, Noah Daniel, and Lilah Rose; brothers Billy Reid Talbott and Bernard Arthur Talbott,  sister Kate Kirks; and many, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his son Kerry, brothers Edwin Ellis (Pete) Talbott, Thomas Wayne (Nink) Talbott, and sister Barbara Jean Talbott.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the SPCA.              Expressions of love and condolences may be expressed on the Henry Funeral Home site www.henryfuneralhome.net and http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/newsleader/j-hunter- talbott-condolences/182506609.