James W. "Breck" Breckenridge

James W. Breckenridge "Breck", 62

Rockford—James W. Breckenridge "Breck" 62, 0f Rockford died Sunday, August 18, 2013 at home surrounded by his family. Born January 8, 1951 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Warren and Diane Breckenridge. Moved to Glenview in August 1963 graduating from Glenbrook South High School in 1969. Graduated from Rockford College Magna Cum Laude in 1973, Graduated Illinois School of Medicine in Rockford June 1977. Married Jennifer (Buell) on October 22, 1977 before entering surgical residency at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI. In July of 1979 he entered his anesthesia residency at the University of Michigan graduating in July of 1981. Breck joined the medical staff at Rockford Memorial Hospital in July of 1981. He became the Director of Anesthesia in 1991 until May 2013. In 1998, Jim joined Rockford Health Systems Board which he served on for 15 years. He was the chairman of the board in 2007 and 2008 Jim was also on the board for the Northern Illinois Blood Bank for over 25 years. In July 2012, he received the Department of Surgery Faculty Recognition award from the U of I College of Medicine. Breck loved his colleagues and friends at Rockford Memorial, especially the operating room staff.

Jim loved the University of Michigan and held season tickets to the football games for many years, even attending the 2004 Rose Bowl game. Jim loved flying to Mackinac Island, Michigan with his family. He especially enjoyed the winter months riding on the snowmobile and seeing the beauty of the island. More than anything, Jim loved being a grandpa to Lucas, Zachary, and Caleb.

Survived by his Wife, Jennifer; Daughters, Megan (Joshua) Coke and Emily (Scott) Gaddini; Parents, Warren and Diane Breckenridge; Grandchildren, Lucas and Zachary Gaddini and Caleb Coke. Nieces and Nephews, Jason (Liza) Buell, Justine (Jason) Sallee, Joscelyn (Cory) Espensen; Brother-inlaw and sister-in-law Webster and Sandra Buell; Great –Nephews Anthony & Dominic Espensen, Solan and Leif Buell and Giovanni Sallee; Best Friends Fred and Mary Gahl and Alan and Lee Ann Mowbray. Predeceased by his son Nicholas Breckenridge, grandparents, Dorothy & Frank Peters and Adelle & Warren Breckenridge Sr.; Mother & Father-in-law Ione and William Buell. Special Thanks to Molly at VNA Hospice and Amy and Sean at OSF Home Infusion.
Funeral Service 11 am Thursday, August 22, 2013 at Christ Lutheran Church 425 Riverside, Belvidere, Il 61008 with Pastor Joy Alsop officiating. Burial will be private. Visitation from 9 to 10:45 Thursday morning at Christ Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to Dr. James Breckenridge Endowment for Anesthesia and Surgery or Nick Breckenridge memorial scholarship fund in care of his family.