Obituary: James “Jay” Talbert

James “Jay” Talbert, 73, died peacefully in St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Florence, Ky., on October 22, surrounded by family and friends. After graduating from high school in 1968, Talbert entered and served in the United States Navy for four years. During his service he trained and was certified as a marine salvage diver. Following his honorable discharge, he began his 37-year career on the inland waterways at Columbia Marine Service as a member of the company’s salvage crew. Always inquisitive and willing to learn, Jay worked his way into the pilothouse. During the subsequent years he applied both his administrative and vessel skills while working at Inland Marine Service, Cincinnati Public Schools, and M/G Transport. Jay founded Marine Consulting LLC, providing fleet auditing services to numerous clients through the inland waterway system. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and dog trainer.