James R. Breeze

November 26, 1949 – September 8, 2026

James (Jim) Breeze passed away peacefully on September 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on November 26, 1949, Jim was the son of the late Donald and Margaret Breeze of Skaneateles Falls, where he grew up as the adoring brother to his three sisters. Throughout his life, he carried with him the values of his upbringing: hard work, loyalty, and unwavering love for his family. Growing up, he loved playing softball and basketball, a passion for sports that would stay with him for the rest of his life.

Jim spent his career working for Colombian Rope and Miller Bottling Company (later OI). A hardworking, dependable man, he took great pride in providing for his family. He believed in showing up, doing his job well, and taking care of the people who depended on him.

Jim was a loving husband to his wife, Mary, and they enjoyed 54 years of marriage together. Throughout their life together, Mary was his cherished partner, and their marriage was built on love, loyalty, and companionship.

Jim's greatest joy was his family. To his children, Jim was the kind of father who would move mountains for them. His love was not simply something he said; it was something he demonstrated through a lifetime of showing up, even in the hardest times. Putting himself behind everyone he loved was one of the many ways he expressed his devotion.

His grandchildren held a particularly special place in his heart. Maddie, Max, Asher, and Emmalyn brought him immense pride and joy, and he treasured being their grandfather (and most of all spoiling them in every way possible). His love of sports continued into this next generation, and he especially enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play - proud to be there in the stands, quietly cheering them on and sharing those moments.

Jim was also never without a dog by his side. Over the years he owned, loved, and thoroughly spoiled a long line of four-legged companions, each one treated like family. Most recently there was Isabelle, who will no doubt be waiting for him at the gates, ready and eager to resume their long walks together.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his daughter, Kathryn (Craig) McGohan; his son, Patrick (Megan) Breeze; and his grandchildren, Madeleine and Maxwell McGohan and Asher and Emmalyn Breeze, whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by his three sisters: Sharon (Butch) Lane of Errol, New Hampshire; Susan (Curtis) Ackerman of West Burlington, NY; and Carol (Scott) Hawks, of Skaneateles, NY; as well as several cherished nieces and nephews.

Jim will be remembered for his incredible work ethic, loyalty, quiet strength, love of sports and dogs, and, above all, his unwavering devotion to his family. He was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, and caring brother whose presence brought comfort and strength to those around him. He spent his life taking care of others, never asking for anything in return.

His family will feel his absence deeply, but the depth of their grief is inseparable from the depth of their gratitude. They were extraordinarily fortunate to have been loved by a man like Jim — to have known his strength, protection, sacrifices, humor, and unwavering presence.

Jim will be loved for a lifetime, remembered always, and profoundly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 13, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Robert D. Gray Funeral Home, 49 Jordan Street, Skaneateles, NY 13152.

To leave condolences, please visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.