John Barnes Talmadge

    John Barnes "Jack" Talmadge, aged 88, of San Diego, CA, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2024, after a valiant battle with cancer. Born on March 30, 1936, in Needham, MA, Jack grew up to be a man of diverse interests and significant achievements. Jack graduated from Needham High School in 1954 and continued his education at Williams College, earning his degree in 1958. Following his graduation, he served in the US Marine Corps Reserve, achieving the rank of Captain by the time of his discharge in 1961.
Jack’s professional life was marked by significant contributions in the political and scientific fields. He began his career in politics as a campaign assistant, working on several high-profile campaigns, including those for George Lodge, Tom McCall, and John Dellenback. His work with Dellenback led him to Washington, DC, where he served as an Administrative Assistant in Congress. Subsequently, Jack spent two decades at the National Science Foundation (NSF), where he led international programs and played a pivotal role in environmental diplomacy, particularly in the Antarctic Treaty meetings. His efforts in these meetings led to the naming of Mount Talmadge in Antarctica in his honor.
Retiring to Palm Desert, CA, in the late nineties, Jack immersed himself in various activities including hiking, golf, and volunteering at the Living Desert. His passion for sports led him to support athletic programs at the University of San Diego and the University of California, San Diego, and he also enjoyed coaching volleyball at St. Margaret’s. Jack was also a part-time travel writer for Travel World News.
    Jack is survived by his daughters, Leslie Talmadge of Washington, DC, and Alison Talmadge Touhey of Silver Spring, MD, and four grandchildren, Benjamin and Natalie Ellwood, and Quinn and Caroline Touhey.
A service and internment will be held on September 9, 2024, at Miramar Cemetery in San Diego. 
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jack's honor to USD Women's Volleyball. Donations can be made through the following link: USD Women's Volleyball https://securegiving.sandiego.edu/s/1374/lg20/form.aspx?sid=1374&gid=1&pgid=431&cid=1061&dids=11&bledit=1

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