Sons of Bransford (S.O.B.)
Amazing Life of Jim Bransford 1930 - 2020
James E. Bransford was born on December 11, 1930, as the eldest of five children of Aurora and Hugh L. Bransford, Jr. The family was raised in a small town in Maryland. A product of segregated schools, Jim was accepted to Princeton University but chose to attend Lincoln University, a historically Black college. He also attended the University of Maryland and served in the Army during the Korean War. Eventually, Jim graduated from Macalester College with a degree in biochemistry in 1957.
Jim married and raised a family, sharing his love of literature, music, and theater with his daughters, Tanya, a retired judge in Hennepin County Court, and Traci, who practices law in Atlanta, Georgia.
An active member of his community, Jim enjoyed a successful career as a research chemist at Honeywell and the V.A. Hospital. He served on the Maplewood Human Rights Commission and judged numerous local and state science fairs. During this time, Jim faced a monumental struggle with alcoholism, which led to the loss of his career, marriage, and home, and nearly cost him his life in two car accidents. He entered chemical dependency treatment seven times. His journey toward sobriety began on May 21, 1974, marking the start of his 32 years of recovery.
Jim's path to redemption was marked by humble work. He built a new career in chemical dependency treatment and was a founding member of what is now known as African American Family Services. He was a pioneer in treating men for domestic violence at the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center and led a unique chemical dependency/domestic violence program called the Excelsior Project.
After years of being a confirmed bachelor, Jim fell in love with Barbara Powers. They married in February 1995 and have remained happily supportive of each other through various life changes. Jim also became a father to another daughter through marriage, Alcenya Ajaye, who is a Victim Services Coordinator for the Public Safety Department. He embraces his role as a loving grandfather to all his grandchildren, both biological and stepchildren.
Jim retired from the Hennepin County Public Defender’s Office after 13 years as a Dispositional Advisor, where he positively impacted multiple generations of families with his straightforward, practical approach to solving life’s problems. Even after retirement, he continued to be active in the community, working with African American men and their families, as well as with East African communities, to improve their access to the courts. He was involved in the HIV/AIDS ministry at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church and volunteered at Phyllis Wheatley and Oasis of Love.
In 2005, the African American community nearly lost Jim to serious health problems, which resulted in multiple surgeries, an extended hospital stay, and rehabilitation. In 2006, a group of African American men, recognizing their second chance at life thanks to Jim’s support, came together to honor and celebrate him for his many years of extraordinary service to the community. They proclaimed, "Give him his roses now!" This led to the establishment of the Sons of Bransford, affectionately known as the “S.O.B. Award.” The community, alongside many awardees, continues to honor Jim's life and leadership following his passing on July 31, 2020.
Jim made a lasting impact on multiple generations of families through his relatable and practical approach to life's challenges. He embodied resiliency, tenacity, and a profound love for family and community. Mr. Jim Bransford was a true example of someone who walked the walk and didn’t just talk the talk.