In Memory of James Addison Thigpen, aka Batman 2x3

In the early morning hours of May 28, I was awakened by a phone call that no parent is ever prepared to receive. The man on the other end of the line, a coroner in another state, asked several questions to determine my identity before informing me that my youngest son, James, had suffered fatal injuries in a one-vehicle accident. I was stunned by his words, and I tried to grasp the reality of them. As my wife and I made our way through the shock of this heartbreaking news, other realizations came barging through. James had no life insurance and no savings. At 33 years old, I'm sure he thought he was still too young to worry about things such as this.

James was the father of two beautiful girls, ages 10 and 7. He cherished his time with them and was a wonderful father. Known as Batman 2x3 in the gaming community, he built relationships near and far, while streaming online and in his personal life. James had a quick wit, and he loved to make people laugh. He had a huge heart and was always willing to lend a hand where needed.

One of my favorite memories of James is from his childhood. My mother had inherited her grandmother's upright piano, and although she couldn't read music, she learned to play by ear. James would sit with her at the piano, listening and watching, and soon, he learned to play by ear, also. He tried several times to get her to play Don't Stop Believin' by Journey, but she didn't quite get it. My heart says the two of them are sitting together at a piano in Heaven, playing a medley of Journey songs.

The funds raised here will be used for James' final expenses, and if any amount remains, it will be given to his daughters to help meet their needs. We need your help to give my son a service he would be proud of and to help his precious girls through this tragedy. No amount is too small. If you are unable to help with a monetary gift, please share this fundraiser and keep us in your prayers. Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity.