|
James E. Bransford, the eldest of five
children was born and raised in a small town in Maryland. A product of segregated schools, Jim was accepted at Princeton University,
but opted to attend a historically Black college, Lincoln University. Jim also attended the University of Maryland, served
in the Army during the Korean War and eventually attended and graduated from Macalester College with a biochemistry degree
in 1957. Jim married, raised a family and shared with his children his love of literature, music and theater. Tanya is currently
the Presiding Judge in Hennepin County Juvenile Court. Daughter Traci practices law in New York City.
Jim was an active community member and a successful research chemist at Honeywell
and the V.A. Hospital. He served on the Maplewood Human Rights Commission and judged many local and state science fairs. During
this period, Jim waged a monumental battle with alcoholism. He lost his career, marriage, home and nearly lost his life in
two car accidents. Jim entered chemical dependency treatment SEVEN times. May 21, 1974 marked the beginning of his
32 years (to date) of sobriety.
Humble work marked Jim’s road to redemption. He went on
to build a new career in chemical dependency treatment and was a founding member of what is now African American Family Services.
He pioneered in the field of treating men for domestic violence at Phyllis Wheatley Community Center and drove a unique chemical
dependency/domestic violence program called the Excelsior Project. Jim
has recently retired with 13 years of service from the Hennepin County Public Defender’s Office as Dispositional Advisor,
where he touched multiple generations of families
with his plain spoken and practical approach to solving life’s problems.
After years of being a confirmed and highly eligible bachelor, Jim was smitten with Barbara Powers. The two
became one in February 1995 and they have remained happily married and supportive of each other through various life changes.
He became a father to another daughter through marriage, Alcenya Ajaye, a Victim Services Coordinator for the Public Safety
Department. Jim lovingly embraces his new role as grandfather to all his grandchildren, biological and those by marriage.
Jim recently retired from the job but not from service. He is still active in the community working with African American men and their families, as well as
our East African brothers and sisters to help improve their access to the courts. He is involved in the HIV/AIDs ministry
at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, and he still volunteers at Phyllis Wheatley and Oasis of Love.
Mr. Jim Bransford is the embodiment of resiliency, tenacity and love for family and the community. He is truly
a man who walks the walk and does not just talk the talk.
|
