Elijah Jacob “Bat” Thigpen Jr., 91, was born in Bogalusa on Jan. 3, 1924, and passed on May 3, 2015, in Denver, Colo.

Known to family as “Bat” and friends as “Jim,” E.J. Jr. graduated from Bogalusa High School, LSU, and Denver University School of Law.

He entered military service on Nov. 12, 1942, and retired with over 36 years of service. E.J. Jr. traveled the world, including post-War Germany, where he assisted during the reconstruction efforts. In Denver, E.J. Jr. entered the practice of law for several years. E.J. Jr. went on to teach contract law for the U.S. government at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver until he retired.

He received numerous medals and awards, including the Air Force Commendation Medal. After retirement, E.J. Jr. indulged in his love of travel and World War II history by taking several trips and cruises to Europe and surrounding areas.

He also traveled to Bogalusa numerous times to reconnect with family and friends, and especially to attend his favorite, the Washington Parish Fair.

E.J. Jr. will be remembered for his love of law, history, books, travel, family and friends, and for his wry sense of humor.

He is survived by four daughters, Daniela T. Golden, Suzanne Thigpen, Eva Maria T. (David) Bauer and Heidi T. (Ed) Peterson; and four grandchildren, Bryce Bauer, Kayla Bauer, Christian Peterson and Elizabeth Peterson; his wife of 24 years, Joy Thigpen; her three children, Forrest Scruggs Jr., Sheree S. (Richard) Landwehr and Brett (Audrey) Scruggs; and three grandchildren, Morgan Scruggs, Tyler Landwehr and Lauren Landwehr. He is also survived by a sister, Rosa T. Knight, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elijah Jacob Thigpen Sr. and Mary Louisa Bennett Thigpen; four sisters, Elsie T. Riley, Ethel T. Spears, Irene T. Crawford and Mildred T. Jones; and four brothers, Clarence Thigpen, Claude Thigpen, Waldon Thigpen and Woodrow Thigpen.

Interment will be at McGehee Cemetery, located on McGehee Road in Bogalusa, on Sept. 5, 2015, at 11 a.m. Military honors will be provided by the Magic City Post #24 of the American Legion, Bogalusa.