CAROLINA BEACH- James Earl Thigpen, 73, died Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center. A remembrance of his life will be celebrated at 11 a.m Saturday, Aug. 15, at 101 King Arthur Drive, Wilmington, NC, home of Mary and James Barnes.

He was born in Wayne County, the son of Herbert and Margaret Thigpen. His professional career was in music.

Upon  entering East Carolina College, he became pianist for  a jazz orchestra, The Collegians. His first teaching assignment was in Richlands. He also taught at Charles B. Aycock High School in Pikeville and Fanquier High School in Warrenton, Va. He obtained a master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Surviving: wife, Elizabeth Morris Thigpen; sons, Eric and Scott (Pamela); sisters, Anne Brown (Ed) of Louisburg, Betty Wiggins (Harold) of Fayetteville; brother, George Thigpen (Linda) of Goldsboro; and four grandchildren.

Memorials are appreciated to the charity of your choice in Jimmy’s name.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com.