James Patrick Breeney

It is with profound grief that we announce the passing of our beloved Husband, Father, Grampy and Uncle Jimmy, of Charlotte, NC. Jim passed away peacefully at home after a long illness surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born in Waterbury, CT, to proud parents James and Dorothy (Holland) Breeney. He attended Sacred Heart High School (’77) and Assumption College (’81) in Worcester, MA, where he was captain of the Greyhounds football team.

Jim is survived by his wife and best friend of over 40 years, Beth; his son, Collin (Meggie) of New York City and their expected daughter; his daughter, Cari Croom (Dallas) of Waxhaw, NC, and their daughters, Chandler and Casey Jane; and his daughter, Kelly Boyd (Nick) of Charlotte, NC, and their son, Marshall.

When Jim married Beth, he gained not only a loving partner but the large and close-knit Klem family. He was warmly welcomed by his in-laws, Kenneth and Joan Klem, and embraced his six new siblings: Mary Dolan, Kathy Norton, Mike, Chris, Tim and Dennis Klem. He also leaves behind many dear friends, including his lifelong friend, Paul Thomas.

Jim began his career in the insurance industry with Marsh & McLennan in Hartford, CT, then later moving his family to Charlotte, NC holding many sales and leadership roles over four successful decades in the industry. He spent the majority of his career at Aon, where he developed deep, lasting friendships and took great pride in his work. One of his greatest joys was sharing stories and insights with his son, who continues the legacy at Aon today.

Jim and Beth were passionate travelers, sharing their love of the world with their parents and children by visiting over 40 countries together. Having spent many of his childhood summers in Ireland with his parents, as an adult, Jim cherished his countless visits to Galway, introducing his family to all his Breeney cousins. He was especially close to his cousins Dave Breeney and Nicola McLoughlin.

From a young age, Jim had a passion for sports. He boxed for the Boys’ Club of Waterbury and achieved great success, including winning the Golden Gloves. One of Jim’s greatest passions was sitting on the sidelines of his kid’s sporting events, never missing a wrestling match or softball game. He spent every morning in the gym and shared his passion for weightlifting with his daughter Cari. Later in life, inspired by his daughter Kelly, he took up running, completing half and full marathons alongside Beth, Cari, and Kelly. Ever the sports fan, Jim continued his sideline watching on a grander scale, taking Beth, Collin, Tim (Klem), and Paul (Thomas) to countless Green Bay Packers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish games – his two favorite sports teams.

Jim and Beth spent many summers hosting the entire extended family at their lake house in Camden, SC. There, Jim spent his days taking his nieces and nephews tubing on the lake. His motto was always “The More the Merrier.”

Jim was a man of deep faith, attending daily Mass and living a life grounded in generosity, compassion, and humility. He was a loving godfather to his niece Lizzy Klem.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital—two causes very close to Jim’s heart.

A visitation will be held at McEwen Funeral Home, 10500 Park Road, Charlotte, NC on Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 3 to 6 p.m.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 10:45 am at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Charlotte, NC.

The family will be holding a memorial mass on August 9, 2025 at 10:00 am at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury, CT, 74 W. Main Street, Waterbury, CT.

Online condolences may be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com