He participated in the Stanford University Partner Development Program in 1981 and the KPMG International Partner Development in 1990. He is married to Myrtle Weaaver and the couple has two children, James R., III and Elizabeth Paige. The East Carolina University Board of Trustees is composed of 13 members that promote the development of the university. The Board of Governors elect eight members and four are appointed by the Governor. The student body president is an ex-officio member.
Members serve staggered four-year terms.
Talton's term expires June 30, 2001.