James R. Breckenridge

Rev. James R. Breckenridge, 87, passed away from respiratory failure at his home on Friday, Oct. 24, 2008, surrounded by his wife of 60 years, Edith, and his two daughters, Lou Ann and Janice. Jim was born in Rockford, on May 26, 1921 to A. Neil and Sylva Breckenridge. He grew up in Rockford, and was active in his church and farm community. He attended the University of Illinois, School of Agriculture, and McCormick Seminary. He was ordained as a Presbyterian minister at Willow Creek Presbyterian Church, where he grew up, in Feb. 1948. He married Edith Visser on March 5, 1948 in Holland MI. Their ministry spanned 39 years. In the first year of their Ministry, he served as the pastor of Pleasant Ridge Presbyterian Church in Milan, IL and was the organizing pastor for a new Presbyterian church in Sherrard, IL. They then served First Presbyterian Church in Minonk, IL for 7 years; Parkland Presbyterian Church in Flint, MI for 28 years and First Presbyterian Church in Clinton, WI for 4 years. After retiring in 1986, Jim and Edith moved to Rockford continuing to be active in church and community organizations. Jim is survived by his wife, Edith; daughters, Lou Ann Breckenridge and Janice Breckenridge; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by his sister, Flora Jane Breckenridge in 2001.   Funeral service Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Willow Creek Presbyterian Church, 7300 Belvidere Rd. Caledonia, IL with Dr. John M. OLane officiating. Interment will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wed. in Guilford Union Cemetery. Visitation held Tuesday, Oct. 28 from 5-7 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford Rd. and will continue on Wed. in the funeral home from 11:30- 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials to Willow Creek Presbyterian Church.