JAMES M. BREUR

VERGENNES — On Friday morning, March 24, 2023, James M. Breur, passed painlessly and peacefully after an 18-month battle with cancer. Loving husband, proud father, adoring papa, and dutiful son were but a few roles he excelled in over his six-plus decades on this earthly plain.

Jim was born on June 11, 1960, in Paterson, N.J. He was the son of Melvin Breur and Lois Blundell. He was predeceased by stepfathers Peter Huizenga and Clint Higbee and sister Linda Bushey.

A 1978 graduate of Vergennes Union High School, Jim joined the City of Vergennes Fire Department that same year. Rising through the ranks, he has proudly served as its Chief since 2009. Employed as a Fluor Industrial Services Regional Director overseeing the Global Foundries account, he split his time between the Essex, Vt., and Fishkill, N.Y., sites.

In his free time, Jim could be found at any event involving his children and more recently his grandchildren. A lover of the ocean, the family cherished their time spent together on its shores. Jim also loved his tractors be they big or small. Mowing a lawn or clearing the land, he was at peace. He often said he was a simple man with simple pleasures. Among them were board games with the gang or dinner out with longtime friends. Laughter was always on the menu.

Jim is survived by wife Sandi Yandow; children Greg Yandow (fiancé Pammie Cushing), Amy Kittredge (husband Nate); mother Lois Higbee; mother-in-law Mae Miller; sisters Lorie Soter and Tonia Warner; brother Curt Huizenga; nephews Brannon and Justin Soter; Aunt Betty Ann Opalka; and a very special cousin, Michelle DeCiuceis. There are also New Jersey and Pennsylvania cousins too numerous to mention with whom he maintained close ties and many fond memories.

He is survived by those who have had his heart since before the day of their births: grandchildren Jordan Yandow and Ayla, Kendall and Nolan Kittredge, and great-granddaughter Amelia Rose.

Jim’s family is indebted to so many who have supported us in so many ways throughout this journey: most compassionately, Addison County Home Health & Hospice nurses Wayne and Laura.

Jim’s life and legacy will be celebrated with all the traditions found in a Firefighter’s Funeral. Viewing: Thursday, March 30 (5-8 p.m.). Funeral: Friday, March 31 (10 a.m.). Both will be held at the City of Vergennes Fire Station. Parking on Friday is available at St. Peter’s with shuttle rides to the station.

Online condolences and a video of the service (available April 5), will be available at www.brownmcclayfuneralhomes.com.

Memorial gifts can be made to: Stevens Hose Company, P.O. Box 224, Vergennes, VT 05491.◊