Memorial service for Johnathan “John” Andrew Talkish, 52, will be held at noon on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at Riverland Hills Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday, February 17, 2020 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, Irmo.
John passed away Thursday, February 13, 2020. Born in Erie, PA, he was the tenth child of Margaret May Kimberlin Talkish. In 1992, he met his future wife, Jan Williams, and moved to Columbia, SC in 1993 to be with her. They were married August 5, 1995, and their only son, Andrew Curtis Talkish, was born in 2001. They are members of Riverland Hills Baptist Church.
John began his career in law enforcement at the SC Department of Corrections before becoming a Class 1 Certified Police Officer with the Department of Mental Health. In August of 1996, he began working with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department as a patrolman. He then became a school resource officer before his retirement as an investigator with Victim Services. While working with the Department, he was awarded the Gary Cannon Great Attitude Award in 2010, then in 2012, he was awarded the Victim Services Deputy of the Year. He touched so many lives while working with the Department, and was especially passionate with the victims of criminal domestic violence.
John was a handyman who enjoyed fixing things for friends and family and was an avid coin collector. John’s greatest joy was his family and, following his retirement, he and Andrew traveled extensively throughout the US making sure to visit each of the states. He supported his son through Boy Scouts, traveling with the Scouts, and helping Andrew to achieve the highest rank of Eagle Scout.
In addition to his mother, Margaret; wife, Jan; and son, Andrew; he is survived by brothers, Todd Talkish, Ernest Talkish, Matthew Talkish, David Talkish; and sisters, Becky Starvaggi, and Bonnie Logan. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Jenny Williams; father-in-law, Robert “Bob” Williams (Marisol); brother-in-law, Todd Williams; sister-in-law, Janita Williams; and aunt, Mary Williams. He was preceded in death by brothers, Curtis Talkish, Phillip Talkish; and sister, Heidi Hardisky.
Memorials may be made to BSA Troop 312, 1110 Kinley Road, Irmo SC 29063.
