Matt Breeden

James Matthew Breeden, 52, of Cookeville, Tennessee, passed away on November 4th, 2023. James, most commonly known as Matt, was born January 6th, 1971, in Lakeland, Florida. He was a beloved husband, son, father, brother, and friend.

Matt was a brilliant, funny, talented, artistic, and adventurous man. However, what set him apart was his generosity, warmth, charm, and kindness . He was precious and irreplaceable to all of his family, friends, and coworkers.

Matt attended Cumberland County High School where he graduated with the class of ’89. While in school, Matt excelled both academically and athletically. He played football, was a part of the chess club, and held a black belt in taekwondo. Additionally, he had an incredible talent for art. He then went on to further his education in the medical field at MTSU. He pursued a career as a Surgical Scrub Tech, where he made a lasting impact on the lives of his patients and coworkers. He had a unique way of making them feel cared for and safe. Despite the long hours and challenging days, Matt’s goofy demeanor and ability to lighten any room never wavered. He took great pride in his work but remained humble throughout his career.

An avid outdoorsman, Matt thrived in nature. He possessed an exceptional skillset in survival techniques and his ability to learn and master survivor skills was unmatched. He particularly enjoyed teaching his sons, Grayson and Garrett, the art of bushcraft, which became one of their favorite and most memorable father-son activities. He taught them the secrets of the earth. His love for his boys was immeasurable.

Matt had a deep appreciation for nature and would often pause to take in the beautiful scenery around him. Whether it was intentional hikes through the woods or sharing peaceful evenings on the front porch with his wife, Autumn, Matt cherished these moments. He enjoyed being able to share his enthusiasm for nature and all of his hobbies with her.

He was a phenomenal little brother, always making his siblings laugh and telling jokes. He looked up to them. Always greeting his sister, Mechelle, with a big smile and a “Hey, sis!”. And to his brother, Tommy, a one-liner from the movie Young Frankenstein, “Put. The. Candle. Back!”.

He also made it a point to call his parents every day for years on his way to work, showing his unwavering love and devotion. His parents will always remember Matthew as a child, refusing to take off his favorite blue jean jacket and cowboy boots, even when it was bed time, or daring his big brother Tommy to jump from a second story window (which he did). His parents and siblings are immensely proud of him.

Matt is survived by his wife, Autumn D Geesling Breeden, their sons Grayson Stone and Garrett Carver, his mother Maxine Breeden, his father Thomas Eddie Breeden Sr., his sister Mechelle Hult and her husband Jon Hult, his brother Thomas Breeden Jr. and his wife Kimberly Breeden, his niece Erika Hult, his nephew Austen Hult, and his daughter Madison Locklear.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother Rebecca Lona Breeden, his grandfather Aron Eddie Breeden, his grandmother Vera Swartzlander Corley, his paternal grandfather Ira Swartzlander, and Jim Corley.

Friends and family are invited to attend the memorial service, which will be held at Colonial View Baptist Church on Thursday, November 9th, 2023 at 1:00 pm. Matthew will be laid to rest at Saylors Cemetery. Pastor Tim Miles will officiate. Public visitation will take place from 10am until service time at the church. Following the burial, a celebration of life meal will be held at Wilhite Baptist Church; his family would love to meet and spend time with everyone who loved Matt.

Keith McNeely, Brad Woods, Todd Chapman, Ryan Slagle, Jon Hult and Tommy Breeden will serve as pallbearers.

Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share memories and condolences at www.hhhfunerals.com.