of Conway, AR
August 24, 1948 - August 30, 2023
James W. "Jim" Breakfield, Jr. was born August 24, 1948 in Portsmouth, Virginia and died August 30, 2023 at the age of 75 following a long battle with dementia. His body is being donated to science in hopes that it may help in finding a cause and cure for this terrible illness.
Jim married the love of his life, Rosemary Kreher, on May 11, 1973. They were blessed with two wonderful children, James Breakfield, III and Mary Lauren Ramoly, who's married to Brinton. Jim is the proud grandfather of Logan Ramoly, Nicholas Breakfield and Cadence Ramoly.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James W. Breakfield and Rhae Jones Breakfield and his brother, John Daniel Breakfield.
Jim grew up in Chesapeake, Virginia, earning his BS in Political Science in 1971 from Virginia Tech. lt was at Virginia Tech where he joined Sigma Lambda Fraternity and met a band of brothers who would become his life-long friends. After graduation he enlisted in the Navy for four years. After his service in the Navy, he attended Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia where he earned a BS in Business Administration in 1976. Then, while working full time, he steadily began working on his Master's Degree at night. During this process he became an even more loving and caring father to his two children, who were constantly distracting him from his work and studies. He always put family first and with brilliance and determination achieved his Masters of Art in Economics from Old Dominion University in 1984.
He then began his career in the utility industry, which eventually brought him to Conway, Arkansas. Entergy Corp. moved him to Beaumont, Texas in 1985 for nine years, then Jackson, Mississippi in 1994 for one year and finally, to Little Rock, Arkansas in 1995 for the rest of his career. During his 26 years with Entergy he held a variety of management positions. After settling in Conway, he taught graduate classes in Economics as an adjunct professor for Webster University for nearly 20 years.
After retiring from Entergy in 2011 he devoted more time to St. Joseph Catholic Church. For years he was involved in Bible studies and Men of Faith and now added finance council, lector, marriage sponsor, Missions for Transition and handyman ministries to his schedule. He also joined the Knights of Columbus and coordinated their blood drives every two months. He took pride and pleasure in all of these endeavors until dementia slowly robbed him of his mental capabilities.
Jim had many interests including photography, golf, fishing, football, traveling to historic sites, trips to Virginia to visit relatives and friends, week-long fraternity reunions and especially family vacations.
The Breakfield family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to everyone at Gentiva Hospice, Ridgemere Memory Care and Seeds of Love, for the love and tender care they provided for Jim.
The rosary will be held at 6:30pm Thursday, September 21 at St. Joseph Catholic Church with visitation following from 7:00 to 9:00pm. The memorial mass will be Friday, September 22 at 11:00am at the church with Fr. Daniel Wendel as Celebrant and Deacon Richard Papini as Homilist.
ln lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Joseph Missions Outreach or Alzheimer's Arkansas.
Sign Guestbook
13 Condolence(s)
Corky and Rosy Wright
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Sincere Condolences to Rose and the family of Jim. May he rest in God's peace.
Geoff Edelman
Sunday, September 10, 2023
I met Jim through our college fraternity, and we’ve been friends for over 50 years. I’ve never seen him in a bad mood. I’ve always admired Jim’s work ethic and for all of his accomplishments. He didn’t take shortcuts.
Susan K Turner
Saturday, September 9, 2023
I’m sorry to hear of the passing of Jim. I met him in Beaumont TX in 1990 when we both worked at Gulf States Utilities which in turn became Entergy. Entergy transferred both our families to Arkansas in the mid nineties and we both attended St. Joseph church in Conway. It was a pleasure to know him. Prayers to his family.
Alex Pagonis
Friday, September 8, 2023
I was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing, He was a great frat brother and a warm, friendly soul. It was a pleasure to have spent time with him in Oregon several years ago. He will be missed.
Jason Gangluff
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Jim was a great guy and embodied what a knight with the Knights of Columbus should be. I will be praying for him and the family.
Linda Waytenick
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Peace and comfort for Rose and family in their earthly journey keeping Jim’s many joyful memories as their heavenly guide
Joe Whale
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
I interacted with Jim when he was at GSU and I was at Entergy and then again when the two companies merged. He was a great guy and someone who was a pleasure to have known. He will be missed.
"The souls of the just are in the hand of God" (Wisdom chapter 3)
Pam Hapner
Monday, September 4, 2023
I will miss Jim. He and Rose were so welcoming to my husband, Bob, and myself when we moved to Conway. We had great get-togethers at their home and appreciated their friendship so much. May God bless him and welcome him home.
John Riggins
Sunday, September 3, 2023
Jim and I were on the Entergy/GSU transition team and then worked together at Entergy in Little Rock. You could count on Jim to be a man of integrity and a calming voice in an otherwise chaotic work place.
Erick B Edwards
Saturday, September 2, 2023
My condolences to Rosie and family.
Jim was my cousin and such a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor. I spent many Christmas evenings at his parents' home in Chesapeake. We'd talk about everything from sports to careers. He was always very interested in my pursuits and gave solid advice, with a few jokes thrown in.
When I settled in central VA, he asked me how I liked it. I explained that Richmond was great---only 90 minutes from the beach, 90 minutes from the mountains, and 90 minutes from D.C. "Well, it must not be THAT great," he said. "Sounds like you're never there!"
So witty. I'll miss him.
Marsha Edwards Coder
Friday, September 1, 2023
Rosie I am so sorry for your loss. It's been quite a while since I last saw my cousin but you've both been in my thoughts over the years. My husband is fighting Parkinson's and dementia and as his caregiver I know how difficult it is. I am here for you. Much love, Marsha
Kathy Kordsmeier
Friday, September 1, 2023
Rosemary, praying for you and your family as you grievethe loss of your beloved Jim . Let us pray: O God , you are water for our thirst and Manna in our desert. We praise you for the life of Jim and bless your mercy that has brought his suffering to an end. Now we beg that same endless mercy to raise him to new life. Nourished by the food and drink of heaven, may he rest forever in the joy of Christ Our Lord amen.
Becky Thornton
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Jim was a very smart and loving man. He was kind and generous and had great stories!
I will miss him!