Jim Bransfield taught students integrity, character

The world lost a giant Saturday, and I'd like to take a moment to flesh out why.

Mr. Bransfield shaped many lives as a teacher, writer, announcer, editor, reporter, mentor, paraprofessional, advocate, friend, uncle and father. He was a wonderful combination of gruff, tough, loving, sharp, encouraging, kind, giving, warm, brave and empathetic. His commitment to diversity and inclusion forced generations of Middletown Public Schools students to question authority and censorship, attend places of worship where they weren’t members, champion LGBTQI rights and hold accountable leaders who didn’t, debate political issues and get involved in campaigns, and to command respect and dignity when criticized by more affluent towns and nearby Catholic schools (take that, Xavier).

With teachers like Mr. Bransfield, the students of Middletown High received not only a top education but were also better prepared for life outside of the classroom.

For me, personally, Mr. Bransfield shaped my life as not only a teacher but the father to one of my best friends. Mr. Bransfield had confidence in me when I doubted my own self-worth. He loved that I liked to argue and mix it up in the classroom. When other teachers considered me a burden or discounted my ability, he pushed me to do and be better. As a result, many of my best memories from high school include him.

It was through Mr. Bransfield that I went to my first (and only) MLB spring training and met Jeff Bagwell, won an award for a school newspaper article (You gots to get ’em, squirrel!!), attended my first evangelical church service, went on a field trip to Washington, D.C., engaged in selfreflection on my biases and bigotry, and shook the hand of President Clinton (where I foolishly asked if I could take Chelsea to the prom).

His curt and honest teaching of history surely has shaped my own approach to the classroom.

If we are to judge a person’s worth on the impact that their life had on others, then I can think of few souls whose life was better spent (despite the fact that he foolishly rooted for the Yankees).

Rest well, Mr. Bransfield. Your memory will live on through the memories and achievements of others. And if you see him, say hello to Dana for me.