James Baxter Breedlove

James "Jimmy" Baxter Breedlove went home to his Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 6, 2025. He was born in Transylvania County, NC on July 4, 1939 to Jesse Franklin and Lola Vera Owen Breedlove. He was preceded in death by both parents, brothers Joe and Owen Breedlove, his sister Hazel Breedlove and his beloved son, Shannon Eugene Breedlove. Only one day after his passing, he lost another precious member of his family, his sister Elizabeth Breedlove Chappel. He has one surviving sister, Carolyn Burleson.

Jimmy is survived by his children, Eric Breedlove (Stephanie), Laura Robinson (Jeremy), Vera Cubero (Frank), Dawn Owen (Trampos), Isaiah Breedlove (Amber), Jonathan Breedlove and Joey Barton, who he raised and loved as his own. He is also papaw to 25 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren as well as an uncle to many nieces and nephews. As a lifelong animal lover and protector, he leaves his beloved pets, Sadie and Roscoe. Jimmy now joins dozens of dogs he has loved and cared for as if they were his children over the course of his life.

Jimmy was renowned as a talented multi-instrument musician playing bluegrass and gospel music in Western North Carolina for many decades. He could play anything, but could bring chills to his audience when playing the dobro. He was also an instrument maker, having hand crafted dozens upon dozens of fine intricate stringed instruments of all kinds during his life. Jimmy's craftsmanship did not stop there, as he was a skilled wood worker, cabinet maker and carpenter. Highly intelligent and analytical even until his final days, his mind and memory were sharp. He held more knowledge than most will acquire and had fond memories of the past up and until his passing. He was fiercely independent, living alone in his home, while being legally blind for several years before he passed.

We will miss him dearly but hold onto the blessed promise that he is absent in body but present in the Lord. He was greeted by loved ones who had gone before and will be waiting to welcome each of us.

A graveside service will take place on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 2PM at Union Cemetery off of Whitewater Road in Sapphire, NC. A meal for family and friends will immediately follow in the picnic shed at the cemetery. Reverend Steve Kerhoulas will officiate.