Branford's Jim Tucker’s Fields of Dreams

Some may say that the grass is always greener on the other side, but for Jim Tucker the grass is a bright green right here in Branford and he's one of the reasons for that sparkling appearance. That's because Jim has worked in maintenance with the Parks and Recreation Department since 1989 and takes great pride in keeping the town's fields in tiptop shape.

Originally from Maine, Jim went to North Branford High School and then served two years in South Korea with the army in the late 60s, after which he moved to Branford and held a few different jobs before seeing that the Parks and Rec Department needed some help. Recalling the warm memories from his own childhood when he played Little League baseball, Jim thought it would be a special endeavor to help make the athletic experience that much better for Branford's current up-and-comers and so he applied for the job and was hired by Joe Trapasso.

"I remember the first time I walked on the field playing Little League; the grass was cut perfectly, the lines were as straight as an arrow, and here I am a 10-year old kid who felt like he was at Fenway Park," says Jim, 61, a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, known as 'Tuck' to his Parks and Rec colleagues. "I want the kids who pass through Branford nowadays to feel that same feeling while having a fun and positive experience."

Jim doesn't attend to the fields at the MacVeigh Complex during the high school season, but if you visit any other athletic venue in Branford-places like Sliney Field, Hammer Field, and even the baseball diamond at MacVeigh during American Legion campaign-you will undoubtedly notice the result of Jim's handiwork. Jim's responsibilities involve cutting and grooming the grass, evening out divots, and applying the chalk lines at the outdoor fields; and also doing some painting and cleaning inside at the Community House that hosts after-school activities. Just like with any job, there are of course challenges and days where things don't run as smoothly as planned, yet the enjoyment Jim gets when he sees youngsters competing on the fields he's prepared makes everything worthwhile.

"There are days when it's clear sailing and then there are days when it rained the night before and there's mud puddles all over the field and you have to spend a lot of effort getting it ready for a big game," says Jim, an athlete in his own right who competed in the New York Marathon three years ago and still runs about 20 miles a week. "But then when you do get the field ready and drive by later and see the kids playing a game on it, you feel a lot of satisfaction."

One person who's satisfied with Jim is the head of Branford's Parks and Rec Department Alex Palluzzi, who discusses the talent and dedication he brings to his organization as both an employee and a person.

"Jim preps as many as a dozen fields during a given season and takes a lot of pride in what he does. Jim's lines are right always right on the money and you can't ask for much more than that," Palluzzi says. "Jim is also one of the finest gentlemen you will ever meet and takes great care of his body by running, biking, and eating the right things. He's probably in the best shape of anyone who works here."

Victor Amatori, a fellow employee with Branford Parks and Rec, also has many positive things to say about Jim, calling him "an awesome person and worker and a true friend." Jim, in turn, is honored be part of Parks and Rec family, and is also quite proud of his own family that consists of his wife of 37 years, Val, with whom he has two children, Jim, Jr., who works for Ultimate Fighting Championship, and Jason, an army captain in the National Guard.

"It is a family at the Parks and Rec Department and everyone who works here is so dedicated to the town of Branford," says Jim, a devout member of First Baptist Church of Branford. "It's just great to be part of something that's so positive with such wonderful people."