James R. Breeds, III, 78, of Auburn, died, Friday, August 29th in UMass Hospital, University Campus with his loving family at his side. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carol A. (Bakstran) Breeds. His two daughters, Michelle M. Lempicki and her husband, Keith of Auburn and Shawna M. Bates and her husband, Keith of Oxford; two brothers, Thomas J. Breeds and his wife, Shannon of Sebring, FL and Daniel P. Breeds and his wife, Joan of Holden; two sisters, Mary Patricia Andersen and her husband, Michael of Holden and Maureen E. Breeds of Worcester; three grandchildren, Sarah Lempicki and her fiancée, Jack Regan, Ryan Lempicki, and Hayden Bates. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved spending time with his three grandchildren. Jim also had several nieces and nephews.
He was born in Worcester, the son of James R. Breeds, Jr. and Mary P. (Morris) Breeds. Sergeant Jim Breeds proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1966 until 1969 and participated in the Battle of Hue, during the Tet Offensive. He later served as a Worcester Police Officer from 1976 until 2006. He was a member of North American Martyrs Parish in Auburn and the Worcester Police Department Honor Guard.
His funeral will be held on Thursday, September 11th, from O'CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m.in North American Martyrs Church, 8 Wyoma Drive, Auburn. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Worcester. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, September 10th from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.in the funeral home. The family requests that flowers be omitted and memorial contributions made to, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105