DR. JAMES BRECKENRIDGE "JIM"
On Saturday, February 16, 2019, Dr. James Breckenridge, or "Jim," passed away at the age of 83 years. He will be remembered by all who knew him for his kind, gentle manner, his unquenchable sense of humor, and his clear sense of calling to Christian ministry through teaching.
Born June 30, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri, Jim grew up and received his education in Southern California. After earning his B.A. at Biola College, Jim went on to earn his B.D. at California Baptist Theological Seminary, M.A. from USC, and Ph.D. in Church History, also from USC.
In 1974, Jim began a 23-year career as Professor of Religion at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where he taught courses in New Testament, Comparative World Religions, and American Cults.
He was invited to teach at a Christian university in Japan, 1986-87. His family accompanied him.
Upon retiring from Baylor University in 1997, Jim returned to Riverside, California where he became an active member of First Baptist Church. One of his greatest joys was preparing curriculum for and leading his adult Bible study class weekly.
Jim belonged to the American Philatelic Society, participating in chapters in TX and CA, as well as winning awards for his historically thematic stamp collections.
Jim is survived by his wife, Lucille Breckenridge, and his children, Bonnie Lee (Matt) and Becky Bartlett (Cheslyn), children by his first wife, Linda Breckenridge. He is also survived by Lucille's children, David Sanchez, John Sanchez (Michelle), Mary Angela Gomez (Catarino), and Elizabeth Monville (Louis). He will be missed by his five grandchildren, Alex and James, Lydia, Audrey, and Vivian. Jim was predeceased by his mother, Elsa Breckenridge, and his father, Vance Newman.
Viewing will be held on Friday, March 1st at 4:30 PM at First Baptist Church of Riverside, 5500 Alessandro Blvd., Riverside. The Funeral Service will follow in the same location at 5:30 PM, with Rev. Joe Lutz officiating. Burial Service will be held on Saturday, March 2nd at 11:00 AM at Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Memorial Park, 11500 Arlington Avenue, Riverside, with Rev. Joe Lutz officiating.
Memorial donations in memory of Jim may be made to Learn For Life Kenya, either mailing them to 2477 N. 91st Street, Wauwatosa, WI 53226 or online at LearnForLifeKenya.org/donate

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Press-Enterprise on Feb. 24, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for James Breckenridge

Sponsored by Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Memorial Park.

9 Entries

Paul Manhart

July 31, 2024

I worked for Jim at JPL. I loved that man. Great mind and sense of humor. I´m sorry to hear that he passed.
God speed Jim.

Dolores B Manriquez

February 18, 2023

May Jim RI... and Love and prayers for my friend Lucille

Dolores Manriquez

March 1, 2019

My dear friend Lucille,
My deepest sympathy on the passing of your dear husband. I learned to appreciate such a kind man. He is now with our Lord...May he RIP.
Lucille, he will be looking over you from heaven, praying for you and your whole family.
Love, Dolores

Carlene and Paul Silva

February 27, 2019

Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss.

We know Jim's crossing to heaven creates a chasm of loss and we pray that your joyful memories of his life will help sustain you through this difficult time.

You are in our thoughts, prayers, and hearts.

With Love,
The Silva Family

A. H.

February 27, 2019

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

February 26, 2019

Please accept my deep expressions of sympathy. May the loving memories you've shared continue to warm your heart. Psalms 116:15

Barbara Stoffel

February 26, 2019

RIP Jim! You were a shinning light in a rather tarnished world. I admired your dedication to the Lord's call to share the Good News. Your gentleness always touched my heart.

Pat Knox-Watts

February 25, 2019

I knew Jim when he was a student in college and seminary. We used to play chess. In fact he gave me a book so I could learn how to play better. I was glad to read in his obituary about the legacy he has left behind both as a Christ follower and as a father and grandfather. My condolences.

Dr. Doug and Patricia Tarpley

February 24, 2019

I became acquainted with Jim only in the last few months through our shared interest in philatelic activities. In recent months after stamp club meetings we enjoyed several extended discussions about our stamp hobby, similar experiences as professors and administrators at Christian universities across the country over the years, shared concern for contemporary American culture, and good biblical theology. I found him to be a thoughtful, informed and passionate Christ-follower. Trisha and I whispered prayers for Jim's family in this difficult time. And I look forward to seeing him again on the streets of Glory. Romans 6:5.

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