James Bruce Thigpen

James Bruce Thigpen, age 53, unexpectedly passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2020. Bruce was born on September 27, 1966 in Dublin, Georgia. Bruce went on to graduate from Dublin High School and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he proudly served for 12 years. Bruce met and married the love of his life, Kari, on May 6, 1994 at Naval Station Treasure Island in San Francisco, CA and together they had two beautiful daughters, Natalie and Rachel. He was currently employed as a turbine engine mechanic at Solar Turbines in San Diego.

Bruce was a devoted husband and father. He had a passion for his Mustang and his dirt bike. He enjoyed going to the desert with his family and friends. He enjoyed hunting and being outdoors and could often be found at either Coronado Dog Beach or Fiesta Island with his dog, Quinn. Bruce is survived by his wife, Kari; his daughters Natalie and Rachel; his mother and father, Vernon and Brenda Holloway; his father-in-law and mother-in law Dale & Donna Fenske; his sister and brother-in-law Kim & Ken Evans and his two nephews, Tanner and Garrett Evans; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ron & Stephanie Melanson and his nieces and nephew, Alaina Melanson and Courtney & Alex Parsons; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Gene & Ange Michonski and his niece and nephews, Thomas Michonski and Savannah & Cole Pendleton; and by his sister-in-law Melanie Fenske. Bruce is preceded in death by his father, James M. Thigpen.

A memorial service is scheduled for Thursday, March 5, 2020, at 2:00 pm at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, California 92122, with a reception to follow from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Officer’s Club located at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, 45513 Boyington Road, San Diego, California 92145.

In order to attend a reception on the Marine Corps base, an RSVP including attendees full name, date of birth and driver’s license number is required.

Please send all RSVP’s and required information to brucethigpenmemorial@gmail.com. All RSVP’s must be submitted by no later than 3/2/2020. In lieu of offering flowers, donations are being accepted via the go-fund me link below to help Kari, Natalie and Rachel during this difficult time.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/bruce-thigpen-memorial?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&fbclid=IwAR0sB9u2fqaI_oyugHbJzDXXJ8l0LpBf2yJoEDBGTVA6ytT7-ePKq3utHWQ