Jean Breckenridge is pictured with with son Jimmy.

The namesake of Breckenridge Village of Tyler has died.

Jimmy Lawrence Breckenridge, 57, died Thursday, according to a statement released by the organization.

Breckenridge was born with Down syndrome, but the organization said his capacity for joy, expression of love and deep desire to communicate with the people whose company he treasured was never limited.

His parents were working to create the community when his father died. His mother carried on that dream and Breckenridge Village of Tyler was born.

Jimmy Breckenridge lived there for 22 years.

A private graveside service has been planned, and a memorial service at the BVT Robert M. Roger’s Chapel will be open to the public at a later date.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Jimmy, a donation can be made to Breckenridge Village of Tyler to establish the Jimmy Breckenridge Birthday Celebration Fund, which will be utilized for birthday celebrations of BVT residents.

The full statement can be read here:

James Lawrence Breckenridge, known by those closest to him as Jimmy, passed away Thursday April 16, 2020. The lifelong Tyler resident was 57 years old when he went to his heavenly home.

Jimmy was born to Robert and Jean Breckenridge on April 4, 1963. Though he was diagnosed with Down syndrome at an early age, Jimmy’s capacity for joy, expression of love and his deep desire to communicate with the people whose company he treasured was never limited, nor was the love and care of his family.

At age 30, Jimmy lost his father and his brother, both named Robert, within a period of only six months. His mother, Jean, was the only immediate family member surviving. Before her husband’s passing, Jean had been working with Robert Sr. on their dream to establish a group home to care for Jimmy and others who had intellectual and developmental disabilities. Even with this ambitious dream, Jean was faced with the ever present reality of who would care for Jimmy when she was no longer able or alive.

It was at a chance luncheon in Tyler that Green Acres Pastor, Dr. David Dykes and BCFS System President and CEO, Kevin C. Dinnin met. Through casual conversation at that lunch, Dr. Dykes and Kevin learned of their mutual interest in finding a way to provide residential care for persons with mental disabilities. It was immediately following that lunch that Dr. Dykes and Kevin drove out to meet with Jean Breckenridge at her home and on that very day the dream of Robert and Jean began to take shape.

In the spring of 1998, BVT officially opened and became the home of Jimmy and 23 others. There, Jimmy grew to know a second family which loved and cared for him. He would need this support when, in 2013, Jean Breckenridge passed away. Though he grieved the loss of his mother, Jimmy continued to thrive in his life at BVT, which was steadily expanding.

BVT would be Jimmy’s home for 22 years and would be where he took his final breath before leaving his Breckenridge Village family to be united with his Heavenly Father and his loving father, mother and brother.

During his time at BVT, Jimmy had a profound impact on those around him. BCFS System President and CEO Kevin C. Dinnin was probably his biggest fan and the feeling, we know, was mutual. Jimmy would know when Kevin had come to visit just by the sound of his voice, calling out “Kevin Dinnin.” Kevin was moved by Jimmy’s smile and genuineness, and they shared a special bond that included their fandom of Blue Bell Ice Cream! BVT Executive Director Steven Campbell, who has been with BVT since 2012, was first introduced to Jimmy and remembers being so impressed with his giving spirit and his kindness. BVT Associate Executive Director of Advancement Linda Taylor was equally moved by knowing Jimmy. She and her husband first worked as house parents at BVT and meeting Jimmy at that time – having him as part of her life for over 21 years – has been an incredibly special life experience.

In remembrance and celebration of Jimmy Breckenridge’s life, a private graveside service will be at held Rose Hill Cemetery. A memorial service at the BVT Robert M. Roger’s Chapel, open to the public, will be held at a later date.

Because Jimmy especially loved birthdays, in lieu of flowers and in honor of Jimmy, a donation can be made to Breckenridge Village of Tyler to establish the Jimmy Breckenridge Birthday Celebration Fund, which will be utilized for birthday celebrations of BVT residents.