James Talton

James Neal Talton Sr. was born, as the only child to Jewell and Della Talton on December 24th, 1943, in West Plains, MO. He was called to the arms of Christ on December 16th, 2024, in his home at the age of 80, with loved ones in Springfield.

James attended Lincoln School in West Plains, a proud alumnus and beloved member of his community. James became a part of history being the first black student to swim in West Plains public pool. As well as the first black man to skate in the West Plains skating rink. A milestone he approached with quiet dignity. Throughout his life, he had a deep appreciation for West Plains and its people. His legacy of courage, perseverance, and kindness will forever inspire many.

James worked at The International Shoe Factory for several years and as a chef at Ryan’s in West Plains. He was an employee who lived, loved and was full of laughter. With a welcoming heart he could adapt to any environment. James’s hobbies were fishing, dancing and listening to music by Sam Cooke. He loved to cook (fish he caught) and he enjoyed popping old fashion popcorn on the stove to eat with his family while watching tv programs. He enjoyed talking on the phone daily with his children and spending time with his family.

James moved to Springfield with his long-life partner and wife Kathy. He loved her children as his own and together they combined their families as one.

James leaves to cherish his memory, his only sister; Patricia Ann Bush. 3 children and 9 grandchildren: His son; James Neal Talton Jr. (LaTisha, Jazmine, Shyonna, JaNeal, Emani). His daughter; FaDeanna Rae Smith-Talton (Cameron, Jordan, Aaron). His daughter; Barlisa Diane Talton-Johnson. His wife and long-life partner of 33 years, Kathy Frances Talton, 5 stepchildren and 10 step-grandchildren: William Graham, Chris Graham (Coutney, Dalton, William, Abbi), Bruce Golden (Cameron, Zoey), Jessie Golden (Makenna, Davin, Damian) and Michael Knapp (Luna). A wealth of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many friends.

James was proceeded in death by his grandmother; Cora Dean Harris, His father; Jewell Neal Talton, His mother; Della Rae Harris-Talton-Davidson, His brothers: William Donald Davidson, and Gary Wayne Davidson.

A Friends and Family Viewing and Visitation will be held from 5:00pm-7:00pm on Tuesday January 7th, 2025 at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut Street in Springfield, Missouri.

Heaven
It will be the past and we’ll live there together.
Not as it was to live but as it is remembered.
It will be the past we will all go back together.
Everyone we ever loved and lost and must remember.
It will be the past. And it will last forever.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to https://gofund.me/cacb60dc by Michael Knapp.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.