John Aubrey Breeden

He is survived by his two daughters, Robin Grinnell (Mike) and Laurie Travers (Jonathan); Anne McLernon, John’s life partner and caregiver, Anne’s sister, Mary Ellen “Mer” McLernon; his granddaughter, Amy James (Luke), his grandson, Matthew Grinnell (Sarah), his six great grandchildren, Bethany Grinnell, Caleb Grinnell and Rebecca Grinnell; Jonah James, Eleanor James and Hudson James; his brothers, Tom Breeden (June), Ronnie Breeden (Barbara), his sisters, Rae Hamm and Judy Breeden.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Laura Breeden, his former wife, Nancy Powers Breeden and his two brothers Greg Breeden and Keith Breeden.

John was the son of the late Ralph and Laura Breeden, born to them July 4, 1940 in Charlottesville, Virginia. After completing his early school years in Charlottesville and graduating from Albemarle High School in June of 1959, where he excelled in Varsity baseball, Varsity football, softball and track, he enthusiastically pursued his lifelong working career. John was not happy if he was not working, starting with his local newspaper route at the age of ten. He became a successful businessman in his twenties as a traveling East Coast general manager for AMI (American Motor Inns). He worked with the Holiday Inn chain opening new venues along with upgrading and improving existing facilities from Roanoke, Virginia to Freeport, Maine. He also organized and oversaw the in-house food and beverages operations, turning him into an excellent chef. He always said “you can’t ask your employees to do what you’re not willing to do yourself.”

After several years of being on the road, he returned to Charlottesville where he co-owned and operated King Lindsay Printing Corporation with his former wife, Nancy Powers Breeden and later with his daughter, Robin Grinnell and her husband, Mike. This was a successful and lucrative business providing all types of printing services to the University of Virginia, professional companies and individuals alike. John developed many long-standing personal relationships through King Lindsay. He was one of the “UVA Good Ole Boys” golf group. He always enjoyed his golf games, whether playing here locally or on the many trips out of town.

John was an avid UVA sports fan… particularly football and basketball. He was also a huge supporter of the UVA Athletics Foundation. He was always prepared to advocate for and facilitate any activity that encouraged children in athletics. John had been the President of the local Kiwanis Club and as past-president donated time and money to help construct a miniature golf course for physically handicapped children at the Bloomfield School in western Albemarle County. He also contributed his personal service to insure the successful operation of the Dixie Little League Baseball organization promoting the loyalty, integrity and fair play to the youth of this community.

With all of John’s success and benevolence to his community, his greatest joy was his family – getting together with his girls, their husbands, his grandchildren and their spouses, his six great grandchildren who never ceased to entertain him. He and Anne spent many wonderful happy times with his family surrounded by love. John had an uncanny ability to see what was important in life, which was rooted in his Christian belief. He was a proud member of Crozet Baptist Church. He had an inexhaustible zest for life and a wonderful sense of humor. There was nothing he enjoyed more than sharing a few good stories and jokes with his family and co-workers at Fisher Auto Parts, a job he took after retiring. He loved the work and the comraderie it provided him. In 2021 he was given a 10 year certificate of service by Fisher Auto Parts, which he was proud of. This was right around the time he began to deal with more serious health issues. He was frustrated because of the changes they brought about in his life, but he dealt with them with courage and grace. He was grateful for the care that was given to him by Anne, his life partner and caregiver, his doctors, nurses and the rescue squad members. The family thanks all of these individuals.

To honor John’s wishes, there will be no formal services. If you find yourself on the golf course, reading a good book, or watching a UVA football or basketball game, please take a moment and rejoice in John’s memory, as these were some of his favorite things.