You may know Jim Bratton as your local tractor salesman, maybe your old farm feed sales rep.. Maybe you know him from high school or the military.. Perhaps he’s a family friend you’ve seen around for years or you’ve met in the wee early hours when he’s out for breakfast. You may even know him through his wonderful wife, Barbara Bratton. And if you live nearby, I can guarantee you probably saw him riding one of his mowers or tractors during the summer months. My family knows my “pappaw”, as I call him, as many things including a loving husband, dad, brother, uncle, grandpa, and even great- grandpa.. Regardless of how you know him, I think we can all agree that he’d give you the shirt off his back to help you with whatever you need. Right now is our time to give to him what he would do for us.

In recent years Jim has battled cancerous lymphomas, leaving his immune system compromised. Upon contracting Coronavirus in February of 2021, he was hospitalized for weeks and diagnosed with fibrosis of the lungs.. they were damaged and his breathing would never be the same. He has thankfully been able to be at home on oxygen, but has had a few stays at the hospital in between. Last week, he had a very hard fall and was air cared to Cincinnati Jewish hospital where they informed us that Jim has two brain bleeds. The cause for his fall is still unknown but they have not ruled out a stroke or seizure. Since Wednesday of last week, he has been having mini “seizure-like” episodes and hospice has been called as they feel there is nothing more than we could do right now but to keep him comfortable. Any further procedures would be too invasive for his body in this weakened state.

With this news, our family has made the difficult decision to transfer Jim to The Laurels of Blanchester, where he will have around the clock help from trained individuals to help with our care of keeping our favorite guy as comfortable as we can. This comes at a very high price and unfortunately his military benefits are unable to cover his stay. Transparently, it is $10,000 per month to stay at The Laurels and must be paid up front. We are believing and speaking miracles over Jim that he will be able to be here with us for as long as God is willing, however, that timeline obviously is unknown. We are still working diligently to navigate insurances to cover the remainder of his stay, should he be here longer than this first month. But we would like to help my grandma Barbara out with this heavy financial burden.

If you could find it in your hearts to give so that Jim’s stay could be covered for this month, I can assure you that we would be forever appreciative of any and all help.

Jim Bratton is a fighter. He’s as stubborn as the years are long.. and thank God for that, because it’s those qualities that still have him with us here today. Please consider helping Jim be comfortable while surrounded by his family and friends who are pulling for miracles but trusting in God’s plan over his precious life. Thank you for any help, prayers, love, good vibes, and kind gestures sent our way.