James Thigpen's Obituary
HUNTERSVILLE, NC - James “Jim” Christopher Thigpen, 74, died Friday, May 3, 2024, at his home in Huntersville, NC.
Born July 28, 1949, in Florence, SC, he was a son of the late James Walter Thigpen, Jr. and the late Azalee Rogers Thigpen. He was the grandson of the late James Walter Thigpen and Sallie Tomlinson Thigpen as well as the late Thurmon Rogers and Rosa Belle Abbott Rogers.
Jim grew up in the small community of Hebron, SC, and eventually moved to Florence, SC. “Snookie”, as he was known by his family and friends, graduated from Southside High School, Clemson University and Harvard Business School. He taught school at Southside for one year then went to work for several agricultural chemical companies. In 1990, he and two partners started their own successful chemical company and moved from Valdosta, GA, to settle in Summerton, SC, with his family. He was a successful entrepreneur with many businesses and real estate projects. Jim had a passion for golf, hunting, fishing, and following his beloved Clemson Tigers.
Jim is survived by his sons, James Christopher Thigpen Jr. (Melissa) of Valdosta, GA, and Ryan Douglas Thigpen (Mary) of Huntersville, NC; five grandsons, Coston Thigpen (Lydia), Andrew Thigpen, Alex Thigpen, Jase Thigpen, and Owen Thigpen; three great-grandchildren, Caelan Hinton, Margo Thigpen and Cohen Thigpen; four sisters, Betty Jo Yarborough of Sardis, SC, Shirly McCutchen of Hartsville, SC, Wanda Ross (Mark) of Florence, SC, and Vonnie Koeppel of Sumter, SC; former wife, Judy Thigpen of Valdosta, GA; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Carolyn Ard; a brother, Kennon Thigpen; and brothers-in-law, Wayne McCutchen, Frank Ard, Urs Koeppel, and Cale Yarborough.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2024, in the chapel of Stephens Funeral Home with the Reverend David W.T. Thurlow officiating.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m. at Stephens Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to St. Matthias Church, P.O. Box 336, Summerton, SC 29148.
Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church Street, Manning, SC, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179.
James Funeral Home is assisting the family, online condolences may be made at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.
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