Dr. James Henry Brashears Jr.

I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Brashears. During my years as Director of Special Education for Hampton City Schools, he became my mentor and friend. He demonstrated compassion and caring while ensuring compliance on behalf of children and youth with disabilities. He will be missed.

When I started graduate school at the Evaluation Research Center in 1976, Jim took me under his wing starting with how to develop surveys. We became close friends and for a couple of years Jill and I rented the duplex next door to Pat and Jim on St. Clair Avenue in Charlottesville. I shared Jim's love of the Redskins. We watched many a game together and their performance was the subject of many a conversation over the years. He was one of the alltime great storytellers. In the "old days"...

I will miss Jim! He was a good friend and a man you could count on when you needed help. May God bless him and keep him in a better place.

Dr. Brashears, my pal Jim Bo would not want me to say too much about him. That’s just the way he was...personal hoopla was not his thing. For years we worked closely at the Virginia Department of Education in Federal Program Monitoring with Shelia Miller. We called ourselves the full-time (golden) triangle of Federal Program Monitoring. All knew Jim had in-depth knowledge of Special Education compliance and procedures. I knew him prior to coming to “The Department”. Upon my arrival, Jim Bo...

So sorry to learn of Jim's passing.
We had many good conversations
at Brandermill Country Club. I will
miss him.

Jim was one of the greatest in the field of special education. He always had a smile and a joke whenever he saw me. He general statement was, "I'll be coming to your system to monitor your programs". He always knew that this statement would cause me to go into some level of tirade. He will be missed.

I got to know Jim years ago when I worked at DOE during my first tenure here. He taught me a lot in my new monitoring role, and his care and thoughtfulness were always at the forefront of his work. In those days, personal columns were the thing for those of us who were single. Jim would pour through them and “seriously” pass along his “referrals” to the single women in our unit. I gave him the nickname, “Dr. Love,” and began to introduce him that way to new people. Jim always seemed to...

I had the opportunity to work with Jim for a short time while serving as a program specialist at the Virginia Department of Education and as a former special education director. Jim will be remembered for his knowledge of special education, his passion for doing what was right for kids, his guidance, wisdom and wit. I will miss him!

When I began my career at the Department of Education my cubical was right next to Jim's. We developed a friendship that will never be forgotten. He would often share jokes with me. I admired him for many reasons. He had a great wit and sense of humor. He was brilliant and would gladly provide advice if requested. He provided support in times of need. Most of all, Jim devoted his life to improving programs for children with disabilities.
I will miss my friend and colleague.
My...