Having a dream of Jim last night; I was motivated to search his name this morning; only to view this. I am deeply saddened.

I lived with Jim at the St. Jean residence in Rycroft in 1974; his early teaching days. We were such close friends and had not had contact since. I have many memories captured in photos; including - waking him from the FLOOR of his bedroom. Clip board by his side; he was “prepping” his back for camping season !!!

Rest in Peace. I have never forgotten you Jim.

I never will.

Dick Switzer

Just watched the streamed service for Jim Brandon. My name is Jonathon Stanich, I was a student at Rycroft School, at the time Mr. Brandon was a teacher there. My condolences to all his Family and Friends. Mr Brandon was a great teacher, a fine gentlleman, and a role model, someone I really looked up to growing up. I still live in the area, not far from where he built his log home. It will always be known as the "Brandon Place". So nice to have listened to Mr Brandon's son and daughter eulogize their Father, you both did him proud.

It was a pleasure to have been a student of his, so many good memories that I look back on with a smile on my face. I feel privileged to have known Mr Brandon

all those years ago. So sorry for the loss of your Dad, JS

Jim and I became close friends when we were 9-year-old kids in grade 5. Over the next six decades our friendship grew and we shared many rich experiences. In the summers of our early teens, a small group of us often slept out in the short-grass prairie field near our houses in northeast Calgary. We spent most nights stargazing and discussing our dreams and ambitions. Even then, Jim’s life-long dream was to be a teacher and work with children. He pursued his dream with passion and perseverance, and he succeeded beyond his wildest dreams. Many years later when I had young daughters about the same age, my youngest daughter said to me that, of all my friends, Jim was her favourite. I asked her why and she replied that, “He listened to me and was interested in my thoughts and what I had to say. He always asked me questions and talked to me about my dreams and ambitions.”

Rest in peace, my friend.

Barry Jaquish

Jim was a long-time member of the AERA: SIG Supervision and Instructional Leadership. He invited those of us who were at AERA when we were in Toronto in 2019 to join him at his U. of Calgary gathering. I had the opportunity to work with him and Mary Lynne Derrington on their teacher evaluation book. He was quite a kind soul and scholar. He was last at COPIS in 2019 and I'm so glad I had this picture of him to post.

Jim was my EdD supervisor and I will be forever grateful for his mentorship and faith in my ability to succeed. He was encouraging and supportive and a genuinely wonderful person. My deepest sympathy to his family as he will surely be missed in so many ways.

Christine Andrews Stobart

Jim always displayed a generosity of spirit and soul. Although he claimed to be agnostic, his faith in people was stronger than most that have walked this Earth. It is a wonderful world and Jim helped me remember this over the decades I knew him.

As a wonderful human being, Jim always had time for our sporting community. I live in Edmonton, but there were so many times our paths passed. In a tournament that I had to meet up with Jim, I knew that his smarts and conditioning will out smart me and out hit and run with me.

I always admired Jim for who Jim was.

Rest in Peace.

Skip

My first time meeting Jim was at Kate’s wedding and from the moment I met him I felt like I’d known him for years. He was warm, engaging, funny and genuinely kind. It immediately made sense to me that Kate was his daughter and that she received her love for a good time and a great adventure from him. Sending my love to everyone who knew and loved Jim.

Jim was, and will continue to be, a mentor and inspiration to all of us who have had the honour of knowing him. He is one of those rare individuals who can meet a total stranger and become friends instantly. Jim was key in coaching me through my own bout with cancer several years ago and I was always so grateful to come away from our coffee chats with a fresh perspective and a piece of his eternal positivity. Jim will be dearly missed but never forgotten. My thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time.

Phil Butterfield

Jim was a wonderful colleague and a true gentleman. We enjoyed working with him and loved his wit and compassion. We have lost a fabulous person. We need more like him in the university and in the wider education community - the true ethic of care. His work with students was exemplary and he always looked out for others. He always had a kind and thoughtful word to offer. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to Jim's family. We know he was a devoted and besotted grandfather, as he shared many photos and moments of supreme joy he had with his grandchild. You will be greatly missed, Jim!

Shelley and Don Scott

My condolences to your family. Jim was a mentor and friend to me at Werklund. I first met him in the EdD program when I was his student and since then had the privilege of being his colleague. Jim was always so encouraging and has inspired me in my own scholarship. My prayers and thoughts are with you today.

Some of my fondest memories of Jim come from our work together in Canadian Rockies Public Schools and the Calgary Board of Education. Jim was a leader of leaders and he was instrumental in nurturing the learning of superintendents, principals, assistant principals, teachers and students from kindergarten to doctoral level. His curiosity and genuine interest in everyone he encountered made every person feel valued and convinced them that their work mattered. I will miss his wisdom, his humour but most of all his friendship.

My utmost condolences to your family. Jim was the Assistant Superintendent of Foothills School Division when myself and a few office colleagues advocated for a fair wage for our position. He was more than generous; he recognized our value and understood the complexity of our positions. As a single parent at the time, it made a big difference in my life and I will never forget this act of leadership and kindness.

Carol Gauzer

My deepest and sincerest condolences to Terrie and family. May the stories about Jim and his celebration of life bring you much peace and comfort in your time of loss and sadness.

Jim was my doctoral supervisor, a respected mentor, and a dear friend. He supported me through every stage of my doctoral journey, pushing me up the many hills I encountered along the way, nudging me when I stalled, and pulling me together when I became unraveled. Jim knew when support was needed, and just how much or how little to give. He listened with compassion and empathy and guided me with respect, patience, and care. His questions challenged me to reflect, think deeply, and critically examine my ideas and assumptions about leadership, teaching, and learning. Jim devoted hours of his time to work with me, always taking the time to chat as friends over a steaming Americano, introducing me with pride to colleagues and fellow students we encountered on campus, and making me feel like I was the only person who mattered in that moment. His impact on me as a student, educator, leader and person will be ever-lasting.

Rest In Peace, Jim.

With much love and gratitude,

Marli Kunn, Ed D

Jim was a true gentleman and an exemplary educator whose life made a positive impact on many people. David Steele

Jim, you always made me laugh...you were our rock and will be dearly missed by us all.

Jimmy you will live inside of me for always. I remember fondly many the things we did and enjoyed together as colleagues and friends. Our partnership in the superintendency was the best.

I hear your laughter as I write this.

Courage, tenacity, knowledge and wisdom, humility, sincerity, partnership, dedication and leadership are a few words that describe your character. Dr. Brandon, you are my exemplar both personally and professionally.

Your mastery at seeing humour in the actions of others is amazing and your ability to laugh at your own mistakes is refreshing.

No one I know has suffered more minor outrageous catastrophes than you. I smile just thinking about them.

Thank you for all that you have done to care for and support students, friends, family and colleagues. I cherish every minute we were able to spend together.

See you, Jim Bob!

PS If there are cell phones in heaven, I’m sure you will lose or destroy several during your first month!

I knew Jim in university days. At a time when most of us were concerned about being cool, Jim was never afraid to be himself and express his nature with an open and fun-loving heart. I happily recall the impression of decency and kindness he made on me at that time. I trust that his essence will continue to nurture those whose lives he touched. Thank-you Jim.....may you rest in great natural peace.

Liz Neil

Gibsons, BC

I greatly appreciated working alongside Jim in his years at the Werklund School of Education. Somehow he managed to do all the hard work involved accompanied by a playful sense of mischief. You are missed Jim.

Our deepest sympathy to the Brandon Family, Jim was a great and kind man, From Almadina School Society.

Very deepest sympathies from the Bruce Brandon family

Terrie and family;

My sincere condolences on the loss of Jim. I had the privilege of having him both as a professor in one of my first doctoral classes at the U of C, and as a member of my supervisory committee. His energy, humour, kindness, and wisdom will stay with me forever. His impact on education in Alberta will live on through the many colleagues and students he influenced and connected with over the years.

When I picture Jim, it’s always the same…a big smile and a twinkle in his eye, ready to share a funny story or anecdote. He will be greatly missed.

Sincerely,

Barb Mulholland

I was a student of Jim’s in the early seventies Rycroft Alberta. I always wanted to catch up with Jim to let him know what a positive influence he was in my Life and the lives of so many. So sorry for your loss and ours.

Dear Terrie, I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I hope the many great memories you have will give you comfort through in the days and months ahead.

Susan Black

Dear Terrie and family:

I am so sorry for your profound loss. Jim was a treasured colleague, a joy to work with and a wise mentor to his students and fellow scholars. I appreciated his fun loving, self-effacing manner in meetings and exam sessions. The world has lost a caring man.

Ann Calvert

Dear Terrie and Family,

Jim was a leader, mentor and a good friend.

One of our fondest memories of Jim is the time we spent together at the CASA conference in Niagara Falls. Jim and I (Piet) went for a morning run along the Niagara River. It was a picture postcard perfect morning as we ran, sharing stories and discussing the educational issues of the day.

Later that day, after sessions had concluded, we all piled into our rented convertible and drove down to Niagara on the Lake, Jim in the back seat regaling us with stories with a huge grin on his face. We had a memorable evening sitting of the terrace of the Niagara on the Lake Yacht Club sipping glasses of local wine.

Jim was generous in his support of us. He modelled kindness, integrity and dedication, lessons that we have done our best to emulate in our careers. Above all, he was a wonderful friend. We always knew that we could pick up the phone, night or day, and ask for his advice on whatever issue we were facing. We were incredibly fortunate to have had him in our lives.

We will miss him.

Piet Langstraat and Jodi Goodrick

Dear Terrie and Family,

We in the Werklund School of Education will remember Jim as a generous, thoughtful, collegial, kind, and highly respected colleague. He was a favorite of the students he taught and supervised and of the faculty and staff with whom he worked. Over his many years in education as a teacher, leader, and researcher, Jim had an extraordinarily positive impact in the province of Alberta and beyond.

Jim will be truly missed by the many, many of us whose lives he touched in such meaningful ways.

I am thinking of you at this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Brenda Spencer

I will always remember Jim building his Log Cabin in the Spirit River area and his friendship as a colleague and as a teacher for our children.

Terrie and family, Joanne and I are so sorry for your loss.

I truly got to know Jim when he became supervisor for my doctoral program. As my supervisor, Jim was organized and devoted to helping me move my thesis from concept to completion. Jim helped organize my doctoral committee in a manner that provided me with timely written feedback and suggestions. Following convocation, I had the great privilege of working with Jim at the University of Calgary. Throughout our teaching, writing, committee work, and traveling Jim’s face would frequently break into a huge smile when he would introduce me as, “his former student who had no thesis corrections.” I will always remember the great delight and pride Jim took in seeing others succeed. Jim impacted my life and the lives of countless others in such a positive manner. I am so greatful for the support he gave, and I am especially thankful for his friendship. Jim was a remarkable man and left behind a wonderful legacy!

Terrie, our thoughts, and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Dennis Parsons, Ed.D.

Dear Mrs. Brandon, family and friends,

I am a Graduate Program Administrator in Graduate Programs and Education at the University of Calgary. I worked closely with Dr. Brandon and his graduate students since 2014. Dr. Brandon was my favourite professor at University of Calgary and I've worked here for almost 30 years. He was a kind and gentle man. He told me that we were always 'building relationships' and I will continue to follow his philosophy. Dr. Brandon was a truly authentic leadership and I'll really miss him.

Jim has been a major influence in both my professional and my academic life and his dedication to serving students of all ages is a legacy that will live on in many like me. In sharing many a beverage at conferences, events and social outings Jim always made a point to see 'hope' and possibility and his never-ending positivity was infectious. I will remember what he taught me in word and in deed and try to serve as he did. My condolences to Terri, Jamie and Kate, and all Jim's family and friends...we are all better for having had Jim in our lives.

My deepest condolences to you and your family. I feel very fortunate to have known Jim and have valued every moment we spent together. His commitment, understanding and leadership have positively impacted the lives of many. Thinking of you and your family at this time.

My deepest sympathy to Jim's family. I am a professional friend of Jim's. We co-edited a book and made presentations together at many professional conferences. I so admired his intelligence and scholarship. Moreover, I deeply admired his attitude. He always made everyone around him feel good with his positive outlook and sense of humor. There is not another Jim and I feel blessed to have known him over the years. I mourn his passing and treasure the memories.

With deepest sympathy for your loss.

Mary Lynne Derrington

Very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was a great educator and colleague and an inspiration to many. God be with you. Bob Franz

Mrs. Brandon and family,

My condolences to you and your family on Jim's passing. I had the opportunity to work with and be supported by Jim during his work with CASS and with his work at the UofC, Jim always took time to listen, understand, and provide great advice and direction with the goal of building the individual's capacity as an educator. Jim was always the positve mentor who coached the "best" from everyone he worked with.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Sincerely,

Dean Lindquist, Ed.D.

I am so sorry for your loss.

Jim was my doctoral advisor and friend. Jim is the biggest reason for me completing my doctoral work. I will miss his smile, his way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the room, and his sense of humour. The Education field is poorer with Jim leaving, but far richer with the contributions that he made, and the legacy he leaves behind.

I will miss his guidance and friendship.

Terrie and family,

Our sincere condolences to you and your family during this very difficult time. Spending time with Jim was always a treat especially when we discussed music trivia as his knowledge of the historical musical greats was endless. We are keeping your entire family in our thoughts and prayers.

JP & Darlene Boyes

A great educator and an even better person, I was privileged to call Jim a friend. Jim simply made the world a better place. My sincere sympathies to his family. - Del Litke

My deepest condolences to your family at this difficult time. Jim was a very special man. Brilliant, curious and caring. He always had time for you, provided great advice and of course such fun. I joined Foothills after Jim’s time but got to know him through CASS and he was always interested to hear about the work we continued to do in FSD.

He believed in public education and especially the importance of school and district leadership. He dedicated his career to ensuring that the students in Alberta and elsewhere had the best professionals supporting their learning.

He will be missed.

Pam Rannelli

Terrie and family,

Our sincere condolences to you at this time of great loss. Jim could best be described as being a "prince of a man" who lived his life to the fullest. He was a master at connecting with people and building positive relationships of mutual respect with everyone he encountered. We admire so much how Jim maintained a positive focus and a zest for savouring each day, even while he was dealing with significant medical challenges. We also admire his dedication as a teacher, educational leader and university professor and appreciate all that he contributed through the years to the teaching profession. Jim was a special colleague and friend and we cherish many memories of working together, participating in meaningful, engaging discussions and enjoying good times together. We know that family was very important to Jim and that he wanted to take every opportunity to spend time with his family. We hope that you find comfort in many wonderful memories of your special times with Jim and in knowing that his was a life well lived! Garry and Doreen McKinnon

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. I send my prayers and heartfelt wishes to Dr. Brandon’s family.

This will come as no surprise to you-since you know him but it did to me- every once in a while you meet a teacher who pushes you- to think better and do even better in a way that is glorious and empowering. Dr. Brandon taught me one class and it was a delight reading his comments on my papers and in talking with him. He made me better.

I wanted to express my heartfelt condolences on this tragic news.

I am deeply saddened. Dr. Brandon was on my dissertation committee, and he had provided extensive feedback. I remember him fondly—my condolences to his family.

I met Jim as a doctoral student in 2012. His course was demanding but very rewarding. His passion for education and students was clearly evident. And his sense of humour and ability to connect with all of us was much appreciated. The next summer I ran into him in one of the eating areas at the U of C. He said hello Tony and joined me for a visit as he rattled off the topic of my final paper handed into him a year previously. I was so impressed he remembered my name and completely blown away he remembered the title of my paper and it's content. I kept in touch with him professionally ever since. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed so very much. My condolences to his wife and children, the rest of his family, and all who were close to him. He was such a genuinely good person and will be missed by so many. His ripple of impact is huge.

I am saddened to hear of Jim's passing.This is a loss for us all.

In our lifetime, we are fortunate to have the fortune and blessing of being in the midst of a small group of individuals who possess great and genuine heart, who see the beauty in all things and people, who demonstrate care for others and true compassion of the soul -- who embody a spirit of respecting the dignity and worth of everyone embracing others with warmth, openness and humility. Jim was one of these great people.

Jim inspired and possessed a dynamic quality to life. He always gave and supported others no matter what was asked or came before him. He was an extraordinary person who made a difference and leaves an incredible legacy.

My deepest condolences to his family.

I will miss my mentor -- and more importantly, my good friend. As I write this message, I can see his face, and that wonderful twinkle in his eye. I will all miss you, my friend. Know that your humanity and heart have left footprints on my heart -- I am better person because I was blessed to be in your midst.

Lasting Footprints

A bell is no bell till you ring it.

A song is no song until you sing it.

Love in your heart

Wasn't put there to stay,

It's nothing at all

Unless you give it away.

Thank you for giving your heart. I will miss you.

Manny

I'm so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was assistant superintendent at FSD when I taught there. I remember him as a very personable man with a great sense of humour. RIP, Jim. You have definitely left a very large footprint to mark the years you spent on this earth! My condolences to the family.

What an accomplished leader whose kindness, wonderful sense of humour, and compassion for others will always be remembered! I will hold dear all of our times working together in FSD as a leadership team. Your ability to laugh at yourself while you shared many stories of your daily misfortunes (how many different places did your cell phone end up anyways?!) lightened every situation and endeared you to us. RIP my dear friend.

Very sad to hear tonight of the passing of this great man.

He was a superintendent at Foothills when I started there over 20 years ago. I never forgot him but the crazy thing was that he never forgot me... Or probably anyone he ever worked with.... I saw him last about 5 years ago at an ATA function, and I probably hadn't seen him in over 10 years. He remembered my name and seemed genuinely pleased to see me.

I have a feeling he made everyone feel that way. He was such a good leader, good teacher and good human.

Sending heartfelt love to his family and friends.