His mother was the third daughter of Sir William Talbot, 1st Baronet of Carton, County Kildare, and his wife Alison Netterville.
Due to the influence of his uncle Richard Talbot, 1st Earl of Tyrconnell, James II's viceroy in Ireland, James Talbot was given the command of a regiment in the Irish Army with the rank of colonel, although some sources refer to him as a Brigadier.
He married Bridget, daughter of Francis de Bermingham, 12th Baron Athenry.
James and Bridget had three daughters: Talbot was killed at the Battle of Aughrim, a major defeat for the Jacobites that cost them many experienced and senior officers.
His death in battle meant that his estate was not covered under the terms of the Treaty of Limerick that ended the war, and was liable to forfeiture.