James Tallon, internationally renowned photographer and writer passed away November 21, 2010, age 85. Born in Newport Kentucky, he fell in love with the western ideal after watching John Wayne in the movie “Stagecoach”. At the outbreak of WWII, he left high school at age 17 to join the Navy. Upon discharge he bought a motorcycle and headed west. For the next 65 years, he traveled the southwest’s back roads honing his photography and writing skills. His work experiences ranged from factory jobs in Cincinnati area, maid and dishwasher at Phantom Ranch, tour guide at the Grand Canyon, Award winning Editor at Arizona Game and Fish I & E Division, to self-employed photographer and writer. He sold his first photograph to Arizona Highways in 1964, beginning a long relationship with that organization. In addition to multiple contributions to Arizona Highways Magazine, he worked with the book publishing division, authoring the book144 Best Campgrounds of Arizona.
His love of the outdoors through hunting, fishing, camping, motorcycles and photographing the wildlife and wild spaces of the American West, led to the publication of over 700 articles, and thousands of photographs in book and magazines around the world. His photographs were marketed by two international agencies.
He is survived by Vicki, wife of 45 years his children; Debbie Martin and family; Lori Roberts and family; Jim Bonham and family; and Rachel Tallon Berge and family. Descendents include eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
An old-fashion Irish Wake and Memorial will be held on January 8, 2011 from 3:00 to 5:00 P.M., at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center, 5001 E. Cheyenne Dr., Phoenix, AZ
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in James Tallon’s name to the Arizona Humane Society Campus at 1521 W. Dobbins Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85041
Janet Traylor
Jim was not only a good photographer, he was a good-hearted individual who trusted his eye and valued independence. He leaves a positive legacy among the Phoenix creative community, and will missed.
Wes Martin
I have many fond memories of Jim’s time with the Arizona Game & Fish Dept.. I “hauled” him around on many photographic safaris in north western Arizona. His writing and photographic expertise were apparent. I worried when he decided to go it on his own. Obviously it was not a problem. I was filled with sorrow to hear of his death.
Wes Martin, Regional Supervisor, Arizona Game & Fish Dept. (retired)
David E. Brown
Jim was a fun and generous guy! I spent several days in the field with him and he taught me something new about photography each time. He had a quirky sense of humor and knew how to make an outdoor venture a fun trip. In the end, I guess that is about as good a gift as it gets.
Von E. Jones
I first met Jim when my wife and I bought a house next to Jim and his wife Vicki. We all went on a trip down to Lobos Mexico to surf fish. He taught me how…I still have the picture of me holding up all the fish. We fished for shark one night and drank lots of rum…straight. My head hurt so bad the next day. We moved and I would see him from time to time. I lost track of Jim several years ago and could not find him in the phone book. Then today I remembered he was well known photo journalist and looked him up. I am sorry he is gone. He really made camping outdoors and fishing work for him in his life. Von.
David Burnett
I just happened to search for Jim (I was showing off.. telling a friend online that I knew him, and had a few pictures he’d shot of me many years ago) to my great sadness got the news that he passed away nearly two years ago. What a sadness. He was a great chap, and though I rarely saw him after our monumental “Last Cattle Drive” story iln 1975, we did stay in touch by email from time to time, each correspondence full of his non negotiable demands that if you write in email you should be as correct as if you were hand writing a note to the President. Im saddened by his loss, and for his family, knowing what a wonderful combination of serious journalist, and scamp that he was. My memories of riding the Arizona desert in his jeep are full of laughs that never seemed to stop. My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this wonderful righteous gentleman.
Christian Walter
I send condolences from 2022, as I read the February, 1983 AZ Highways article “Pilgrimage to the Petrified Forest”. Your articles were/are always a good read…