Jess Rapier Talbott of Chappaquidick and formerly of Sharon died unexpectedly on April 5 at his winter home in Fort Myers, Fla. He was 64.

Jess was born on Feb. 21, 1948 in Louisville, the son of Virginia Rapier Talbott and J. Dan Talbott Jr. He was raised in Louisville until age 12, when he moved to Canton. He was graduated from Xaverian Brothers High School and went on to Northeastern University to earn his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. He enlisted in the Army and served during the Vietnam War between 1968 and 1970 and was discharged with the rank of Sergeant E-5. Upon returning, he lived in Sharon before moving to Martha’s Vineyard. He recently retired from his own business of Glove Cleaners and Safety Products, Inc. Jess was a member of the board of The Trustees of Reservations on Chappy.

Jess’s love for the great outdoors developed as a child, and as he grew into an adult he became an avid boating and fishing enthusiast. He found the most comfort and peace near the ocean. He will be remembered by all that knew him for his great big bright smile, wonderfully special sense of humor, and for his thoughtfulness in helping friends and neighbors. He was brilliant businessman known for his determination, reliability, strength and ability to achieve with great success in anything he set his mind too.

Jess was the father of Natalie Thompson, who lives with husband Michael Thompson in Attleboro, and Tracey Talbott of Seattle, Wash., and the brother of Catherine Talbott of Nazareth, Ky. and Anne Talbott Wycoff of Englewood, Fla. He is also survived by three grandchildren, whom he adored, Reid, Isla and Quinn Thompson. He was predeceased by his brother, J. Dan Talbott 3rd of Plano, Tex.

A visitation period was held on Wednesday at the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs, followed by his funeral mass celebrated in Our Lady Star of the Sea Church with military honors provided by the Veterans of Martha’s Vineyard. He will be cremated according to his wishes and will have a military burial of his cremains at sea.

Donations may be made in his memory to the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, P.O. Box 1477, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 or to The Trustees of Reservations, P.O. Box 2106, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.

Please visit ccgfuneralhome.com for online guest book and information.