Dr. James Walter Talbert

Jim was born March 2, 1941, in Evansville, Indiana, son of Ethel Isabelle (Lane) and Walter Clifford Talbert. Jim graduated from Bosse High School in 1959 where he was President of the Spanish Club, President of Concert Choir, a 4-year varsity pole vaulter on the track team and played freshman reserve football.

Jim received his B.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Indiana University (junior year in Peru, University of San Marcos, Lima) and his M.S. degree from Indiana State University. At I.U., Jim was a member of Theta Chi fraternity, the German Club, the Spanish Club, and the Air Force ROTC Precision Drill Team.

Jim was a sales representative in Peru for Pan American-Grace Airways (Panagra) for 13 months, a teacher of English and Spanish at Central High School for 4 years, a teaching assistant at Indiana University for 2 years, and a Spanish Professor at the University of Evansville for 35 years, where he was also Chair of the Department of Foreign Languages for 12 years. At UE, Jim was also an academic advisor, Spanish Club sponsor, Chi Omega Professor of the Year, Chi Omega Parent of the Year, and served on numerous committees over the years.

Besides his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Daniel C. Schall II, and his grandson, Austin C. Schall. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Alicia (Canales) Talbert; children, Lisa Lash (Robin), Deborah Schall, Marco Talbert (Jenna) and Maria Bulkley (Bryan); grandchildren, Reece Lash, Andrew Schall, Danielle Schall Richmond (Andrew), Sam, Will, Claire and Paige Talbert, and Carmen and Matthew Worthington; great granddaughters, Evelyn Schall and Rosalina Richmond; and sister Mary Catherine Arndt (Walt) along with many nieces and nephews and other extended family in the United States and Peru.

Jim will be remembered best for his love and dedication to his family. Jim took his kids and later, grandkids to countless libraries, swimming pools, lakes, parks, and had so many family nights where he popped our popcorn on the stove and made homemade fudge. For many years running, spaghetti night was a Tuesday tradition with all the family together. Jim was an avid genealogist researching the Talbert family line as well as Alicia's Canales family line for many generations back. Education was also a passion for Jim. He published two books and spoke six languages-English, Spanish, Italian, German, French, and Portuguese. As a University of Evansville professor, he was a dedicated Aces fan and attended basketball, football and soccer games for decades cheering on the Purple Aces. During his tenure, Jim was an inspiring educator and along with Alicia and family, welcomed many foreign exchange students for dinners in our home and provided them with resources and guidance. Jim was also very active with the Bosse High School Class of 1959 reunion committee, remaining in touch with classmates from the 50’s to the present. Jim was a member of St. Benedict Cathedral since 1964.

Funeral services will be privately held at the Alexander Funeral Home-East Chapel.

Memorial contributions can be made to the UEvansville Fund supporting student scholarships at the University of Evansville. Checks can be mailed to University of Evansville, 1800 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN 47722, listing Dr. James W. Talbert on the contribution. An online contribution can be made at www.evansville.edu by selecting Give.

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.