News Summary
Jim Breeney, a beloved Charlotte resident, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family. A graduate of Assumption College, he thrived in the insurance industry for over 40 years while cherishing time spent with his family and friends. Known for his adventurous spirit, sports enthusiasm, and deep religious faith, Jim leaves behind a lasting legacy of generosity and compassion. His family requests donations to meaningful charities in his memory. A visitation and funeral Mass will be held to honor his life.
Charlotte, NC – Jim Breeney, a cherished resident of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on July 8, 2025, after a prolonged illness. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his loving family, reflecting a life devoted to family bonds and community.
Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, Mr. Breeney was the son of James and Dorothy (Holland) Breeney. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School in 1977 before continuing his education at Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he earned his degree in 1981. Notably, he was the captain of the Greyhounds football team during his college years.
Mr. Breeney is survived by his wife, Beth, with whom he shared over 40 years of marriage. He was a dedicated father to three children: Collin Breeney, who is married to Meggie and resides in New York City; Cari Croom, married to Dallas, from Waxhaw, North Carolina, who has two daughters, Chandler and Casey Jane; and Kelly Boyd, married to Nick, who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with their son, Marshall. He also enjoyed the extended support of his wife’s large Klem family, including in-laws Kenneth and Joan Klem and six siblings: Mary Dolan, Kathy Norton, Mike, Chris, Tim, and Dennis Klem. Mr. Breeney’s friendships were also important to him, notably his long-time companion Paul Thomas.
His professional career began at Marsh & McLennan in Hartford, Connecticut, before relocating to Charlotte, where he excelled in the insurance industry for over four decades. He held various sales and leadership roles, predominantly at Aon, where he was recognized for his dedication, developed lifelong friendships, and took deep pride in his work. A source of personal joy for Mr. Breeney was sharing insights with his son Collin, who also pursued a career at Aon.
Outside of work, Mr. Breeney was an avid traveler, having visited over 40 countries with his family, and cherished childhood summers spent in Ireland, frequently visiting Galway to connect with cousins. He had a lifelong passion for sports, which began in his youth when he boxed for the Boys’ Club of Waterbury and won the Golden Gloves. As a father, he was unwavering in his support of his children’s sports activities, rarely missing their events. His fitness journey included weightlifting sessions with daughter Cari and later embracing running, completing marathons in his lifetime. Additionally, he was a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, often attending games.
Mr. Breeney found great joy in hosting family gatherings at their lake house in Camden, South Carolina. His welcoming motto, “The More the Merrier,” resonated with anyone who knew him, showcasing his love for family and friends. A deeply religious man, he attended daily Mass and led a life centered on generosity, compassion, and humility. He took pride in being a loving godfather to his niece, Lizzy Klem.
As a remembrance of Mr. Breeney’s legacy, the family requests that donations be made in lieu of flowers to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 3 to 6 p.m. at McEwen Funeral Home in Charlotte, NC. A funeral Mass will take place on Friday, July 11, 2025, at 10:45 a.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Charlotte. Additionally, the family will hold a memorial Mass on August 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury, CT. Online condolences can be shared at www.McEwenPinevilleChapel.com.
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- Dignity Memorial: James Breeney Obituary
- Wikipedia: Insurance
- Business Insurance: Kathleen C. Lynch
- Google Search: Insurance Industry
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
