SPJ: Phoenix, Arizona Chapter

Journalist and author Jon Talton talked about his book, “A Brief History of Phoenix” in a 2015 appearance on Arizona PBS’ “Arizona Horizon.” Arizona PBS photo

Our Phoenix SPJ chapter mourns the death of journalist and author Jon Talton, whose love of his hometown of Phoenix manifested in a series of mystery novels set there as well as a short history of the city. Talton died Jan. 28 in Seattle. He was 69.

“Jon Talton was an accomplished journalist, truth teller and changemaker,” said Valley of the Sun SPJ President Tim Eigo. “He left every beat he covered better than he found it, and wherever he lived, he always remained a Phoenician. His passing is a terrible loss.”

Talton’s journalism career involved covering mostly business news in several cities, including time in Phoenix as business columnist at the Arizona Republic. At the time of his death, he wrote a column for the business section of the Seattle Times.

The protagonist in seven of his novels was sheriff’s deputy David Mapstone, whose sleuthing occurred around many iconic locations and historical events in Arizona. Talton also wrote “A Brief History of Phoenix” in 2015.

Talton graduated from Coronado High School in Scottsdale and Arizona State University.

Read the Arizona Republic’s story about Talton’s passing here.