James E. Breene

Born in 1931, James Breene was raised in rural Adams, Wisconsin. As the youngest of four boys, he grew up on an active farm during the Depression years. In his early twenties, James served his country during the Korean War and later attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he received a degree in Agriculture. Following his education, James returned to the farm in Adams County and accepted a position with the Farmers Home Administration. While working at the County Courthouse in Shawano, Wisconsin, James met his true love, Christine Larsen. After their wedding, the couple moved to Wausau before finally settling in Waupaca. Their son, Samuel, was born in 1975 and Erin arrived in 1979.

Although the public knew him as a dedicated, hard-working father, farmer, and professional, many did not realize that James also had an artistic side. In his younger years, he authored plays and short stories and was keenly interested in poetry, history, and art. His family remembers that he would draw vibrant sketches and birthday cards. However, Jim’s busy work life didn’t allow his artistic side to fully bloom.

After a long and successful career with the Farmers Home Administration, James made the decision to retire and return to his roots in Adams. He and Christine built a lovely home on the family farmland and spent the next twenty years enjoying the “good life” of gardening, running a farm stand, and raising the adored stray cats that inevitably found their way to the Breene homestead.

After Christine passed away in 2019, James and his beloved cat, Baxter, moved to Providence, Rhode Island, so they could be closer to Sam and his wife, Betsy. It was at this phase of life that James emerged as a prolific artist. As a resident at Capitol Ridge Assisted Living, James began to draw holiday and birthday cards for his friends and family. His artwork offers a glimpse into the mind of a creative soul; with subtle humor and self-effacing commentary, these drawings are poignant snapshots of daily life. Simply stated, James’s artwork was his calling card. Those who knew him found his creations bemusing, thought-provoking, and simply wonderful. Love and enduring kindness will remain his lasting legacy.

James is survived by his son, Sam, and daughter-in-law, Betsy, and also by his daughter, Erin, and son-in law Robert.

In lieu of flowers, please honor James’s memory through a donation to the Adams County Humane Society (www.adamscountyhumanesociety.org) or the Providence Animal Rescue League (www.parl.org).