Elgin Thomas Blanchard

Elgin Thomas Blanchard, lovingly known as “E.J.,” was born on June 30, 1996, at Madigan Army Hospital in Tacoma, Washington. On Sunday, August 3, 2025, at 2:30 p.m., he left this world far too soon, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, love, and faith.

E.J. lived a life rich in experiences, traveling with his mother, older sister Monique, and younger brother Eric (“Phooby”) to places that many only dream of — Korea, Hawaii, Japan, Vietnam, Dubai, Qatar, and more. Despite his global adventures, Virginia was where he called home the longest, and it was where his heart always returned.

E.J. was a man of both heart and mind. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Army as a combat medic, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, mother, and father. After his service, he dedicated himself to his education, enrolled in college to complete his bachelor’s degree, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA.

He had a passion for gaming, music, writing, and drawing — creative outlets that reflected his intelligence and imagination. He was deeply kind-hearted and loving, with a gentle shyness that only made his warmth more special to those who truly knew him. People often remarked on his striking good looks, noting how much he resembled his mother, brother, and sister.

E.J.’s brilliance shone from an early age. In sixth grade, his teacher shared how he completed his schoolwork with ease, never needing to take it home, and how he became impatient when lessons moved too slowly. She recalled a day when an engineer spoke to the class — a talk she herself could barely follow — yet E.J. understood every word. She described him as not only intelligent but respectful, a rare and admirable combination.

Raised as a Christian, E.J. was a God-fearing man who lived out the fruits of the Spirit — love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control. Sundays were spent in church with his family, where his faith grew deep roots.

E.J. was beautiful inside and out, a shining light to all who met him. His absence leaves an ache in every heart that loved him. He is survived by his loving mother, father, sister Monique, brother Eric (“Phooby”), his cherished dogs Rico, Midnight, Bella, and Titan, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins in both the United States and Korea. He now joins his grandfather, who passed away two years ago and loved him deeply.

We will love him always and forever. His light will never fade from our hearts.