MAYNARDVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT)--Family and friends are mourning the loss of a Union County Sheriff's Deputy who died suddenly Saturday afternoon. 31 year old Chief Deputy Jamie Breeding was mowing his neighbor's yard when he started to feel ill and collapsed.

As they absorb the shock, his friends remember what kind of man Breeding was. "I've always found him to be a very dedicated father and husband," said friend and longtime pastor Jimmy Davidson.

Another friend, EJ Smith agreed, "he was a good person. He was a good officer to this county."

A 12 year deputy for the Union County Sheriff's Office, Breeding was also active in his church. Davidson says while he and those who knew Breeding are suffering, time and their faith will get them through.

"He's touched a lot of lives, and it will take time and by the grace of God and it's going to take time for that healing to take place, but Jamie Breeding will be a long remembered individual," he said.

The medical examiner's office will perform an autopsy to find out exactly how he died.

Funeral services will be held at the Union County High School auditorium on Wednesday. The Breedings will receive friends from 5 to 8pm with the funeral to follow. On Thursday family and friends will meet in the High School parking lot at 10am to proceed to a graveside service at New Loyston Memorial Gardens at 11am. All services are public.

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The Union County Sheriff's Office is mourning the death of one of its deputies.

Chief Deputy James Breeding, also known as Jamie, died suddenly. According to a press release from the sheriff's office, Breeding was an outstanding leader for the Union County Sheriff's Office and had served the county for 12 years.

Breeding died near his home in the 36-hundred block of Hickory Valley Road in Maynardville. He was transported to Mercy North hospital but the cause of death has not been released. He leaves a wife and two-year-old daughter.