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James LeBreton Obituary
BLOOMINGTON - James E. LeBreton, 78, of Bloomington, passed away Saturday, January 24, 2026, at his home.
His Celebration of Life will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington.
Jim was born September 24, 1947, in Leavenworth, Kan., the son of George and Margaret (Griessel) LeBreton. He married Mary Kathryn "Kathy" Knepp on February 18, 1995, in Bloomington. She survives.
Also surviving are their six children, James (Dawn) LeBreton, Daniel (Lindsay) LeBreton, Mark (Stephanie) Leman, Brad Leman, Neal (Vickie) Leman and Dawn McClure; 16 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren; and one sister, Judith Matthews of Indiana.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Jim grew up in Leavenworth, Kan., and had horses as a boy and was a member of the Kansas State Horse Association.
He graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1965 and received his bachelor's degree (1970) and master's degree (1972), both from Kansas State University.
Jim moved to Illinois in 1972 and worked for State Farm Insurance Co's for 37 years, retiring in 2010.
His interests included flying, horses, dogs and being with his children and grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Illinois Cancer Care. To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.
Memories and Condolences
for James LeBreton
Sponsored by Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home.
2 Entries
John Lally
February 1, 2026
Jim and I worked together in the 70s in the State Farm Fire building downtown. He was always helpful to me as I began my programming career. He was truly one of the "good guys" I've known.
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Ed Carrow
February 1, 2026
I was sorry to see Jim had passed. My condolences to the family. I worked with Jim for several years when I started at State Farm in 1990. Jim was the answer man when you needed help. He was always willing to help too. I enjoyed working with him.
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