James Jay Breen

James Jay Breen, 85, of Bentonville, went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, May 31, 2022. He was born February 27, 1937, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to the late James Weston Breen and Verna Dorothy Breen. He was baptized April 25th, 1937 and confirmed, April 2nd, 1950 in the Lutheran church. He proudly served 4 yrs in the US Air Force, spending 2 yrs in Alaska. He joined the Minneapolis Police Department in March 1962. He married Thelma Butenhoff on November 16th, 1962. They had 3 daughters, Nancy, Susan and Debi. He spent 27 yrs in law enforcement, retiring from MPD in 1989 as a Lieutenant Investigator, receiving several commendations throughout his career. In 1990, Jim and Thelma moved to Bella Vista, AR. Jim was a volunteer at Helping Hands for many years. He was a board member and served as President, initiating several new programs. He was an active member of Bella Vista Lutheran Church. He served as their 3rd President, was on several committees, church council, taught Sunday School & Vacation Bible School. Jim and Thelma went to Apache Junction, AZ, in 1999, living in Golden Vista RV Park as “snowbirds” for 22 yrs. Jim was the head of the Park Patrol security for several years. They joined Mountain View Lutheran Church, where he served as an elder for 14 yrs. He also set up the church sound system, which he enjoyed running for the Praise service. Jim and Thelma initiated the Stephen ministry at both churches, serving faithfully. Jim loved riding his motor cycles with many friends and belonged to two different riding clubs. He was an excellent mechanic with a large assortment of tools, who loved working on older and classic cars. A favorite pastime was going to lots of car shows with family or friends. He always looked forward to his fishing trips to Canada which he did for 25 yrs with the same 3 friends from Princeton, MN. Jim and Thelma moved to Bentonville, in 1997 where they lived for 24 yrs. He enjoyed living closer to his grandchildren and sharing his knowledge & humor as they grew up. His kids and grandkids will forever remember the multitude of funny pictures, gadgets and humorous toys, most of which sang, danced or made noise. Jim was generous and helpful to all who knew him, but best loved for his wonderful sense of humor throughout his life. Survivors include his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Thelma Breen; daughters, Nancy (Steve) Aleksuk of Minnesota and Susan (Rodger) Hinds of Bentonville; son-in-law, Michael (Lynn) Pradmore of Bentonville; grandchildren, Gina (Andrew) Gehling, Ryan Hinds, Andrew Hinds, Mikey Pradmore, Carter Pradmore, Ethan Kwartowitz, Angela (Brian) Cooper, Jaime (Museli) Muhammad, Jordan Aleksuk, Keeshawn Aleksuk, Jackson Cooper, Hayden Cooper, Kierra Leaks, Burtie Leaks; sisters, Barbara Elstad, Janice (Gary) Dreke, Bonnie (George) Zarns and Neal Swanson, all of Minnesota; sisters-in-law, Marilyn (Tony) Smith and Kathleen Ross, brother-in-law, Michael (DeDe) Butenhoff; numerous extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by daughter, Debra Kay Pradmore, step-parents, Marjorie Breen and Howard Swanson, brothers –in-law; Joe Lyczewski, Vern Elstad, Gary Butenhoff, & Armin Ross. Best friends; Jerry Torrey, Jerry Ryan, & Ed Hedges. A special thank you to all of the loving care-givers & staff at Primrose Assisted Living and Memory Care in Rogers, as well as Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville. Jim’s funeral service, with full military honors, will be held at 11:30am on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at Bella Vista Lutheran Church in Bella Vista. Memorials are suggested to Bella Vista Lutheran Church, 1990 Forest Hills Blvd, Bella Vista, AR 72715 www.BVLutheran.com, Mountain View Lutheran Church, 2122 S Goldfield Rd, Apache Junction, AZ 85119 www.MountainViewLutheran.org or Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Rd, Springdale, AR 72762 www.NWACircleOfLife.com Arrangements are under the care of Rollins Funeral Home in Rogers, Arkansas.

The family has arranged to have the service streamed live at https://m.facebook.com/James-Breen-Memorial-108568205213997/