James Michael Bremner

James Michael Bremner passed away October 12, 2026 in Athens, Georgia. He was born November 22, 1982, in Lafayette, Indiana, the son of Alice (Johnson) Bremner and James W. Bremner.

He is survived by his wife Kate, son Teddy, his parents, parents in law Kathy and Kyle Reising, Watkinsville, GA, brother John (Mitalee) Bremner, Marietta, Georgia, sister in law Joanna (Alex) Navarro, Athens, GA, nephews Jaymin Bremner, Nikhil Bremner, Finn Navarro, aunts and uncles, John (Kelly) Bremner, Cartersville, GA, Jackie Lastowski, Marietta, GA, Janet (Keith) Rucker, Tampa, FL, Susan Sublette, Columbus, IN, Harry (Diane) Johnson, Peoria, IL, John (Paula) Eberly, Colleyville, TX and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal Grandparents John and Delores Bremner, maternal Grandparents Ralph and Inez Johnson, and Uncles Blaine Rickenbaugh, Donald Sublette, and cousin Robert Slater III.

James grew up in the community of Washington Illinois, attended Washington schools and graduated from Washington Community High School. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Georgia State University. He also was licensed as a Certified Addiction Counselor.

James worked many years in Addiction Recovery programs, serving as House Manager at Hero House, a sober living community for college students; Clinical Director at Sober Men Living and Housing Manager for Tangu, an outpatient treatment center. Following his work in addiction recovery, James developed a passion for serving the Homeless Community. He served as Operations Manager for Bigger Vision, a homeless outreach program in Athens, GA. He also served on the Board of the Athens Homeless Coalition, representing Bigger Vision. James had a gift for meeting people where they were, putting them at ease by way of a smile, some silly remark or a hug. He treated people with love, dignity and respect, and always as fellow human beings who were just experiencing difficult times.

Nothing made James happier than being outside enjoying nature and/or a good bonfire. An avid camper and hiker, his favorite hiking companion was his son Teddy, strapped to his back in a child carrier. He also loved cooking and preparing meals not only for family and friends, but also meals for the people he served at the residential homes and shelter. Other favorite things included a love for Bluegrass music, Friday Night Hot Dog Night, a tradition started by his Memaw Bremner, and playing Dominoes, the game Grandpa Johnson taught him.

A Celebration of Life will take place Saturday October 24 from 2 – 4 pm at The Extension, 1507Church St Ext NW NE, Marietta, Georgia 30060. A Celebration of Life will take place at a future date in Illinois. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial donations made to either a fund for James’ son Teddy at GoFundMe, https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-james-by-giving-to-teddys-future ; or to the Athens Homeless Coalition, https://athenshc.org/donate Designate in comment James Bremner or Recovery