James Victor Bransten

January 17, 1945 – June 6, 2015

James (Jim) Victor Bransten of San Francisco, California, passed away on June 6th 2015 after a long illness. Born January 17th, 1945, son of William H. Bransten and Sue V. Bransten, he is survived by his sister Joan Sutton and brotherin-law Joseph Sutton, nephews Raymond Sutton and Sol Sender, treasured cousins John Rothmann and Bill Rothmann—who were like brothers to him—dedicated caregivers, Stephen Gilbert, Cesar Gonzalez, Jean Brannigan and Maria Grimaldi, and a large extended family who were a special part of his life through the decades in San Francisco and around the world.

A fourth-generation native San Franciscan, Jim attended Madison Grammar School, Roosevelt Junior High School and Washington High School before receiving his bachelor’s degree in political science from UC Berkeley in 1967. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1981 after receiving his law degree from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas that same year.

His family and numerous lifelong friends remember Jim for his remarkable sense of humor, his passion for history and politics, and his loyalty to friends of more than fifty years. A talented improviser and comedian in his youth, he was a member of the renowned Pitschel Players before pursuing his career in the law. His restless intellect and rebellious personality characterized a life filled with great challenges and great enjoyments. Jim left a lasting mark on the lives of those who loved him.

Jim was committed to the prevention of cruelty to animals and animal rights. In lieu of flowers, his family would ask for contributions to The Humane Society US or any other animal protection group.