We are saddened to share that Granville Jr/Sr High English Teacher, Jim Marsfelder, passed away on Thursday, July 10th, 2025.
Mr. Marsfelder was a dedicated teacher for over 23 years at Granville CSD.
As we reflect on his contributions to Granville Jr/Sr High School, we invite you to join us in honoring his memory.
If you would like to share a few words of appreciation, memories, or reflections, please do so using the form linked below.
Here is the link to share a few words with our school community.
Your submissions will be curated below, as a collective tribute to Mr. Marsfelder’s career at Granville CSD.
The school will post services information in this blog post when that is made available to the public.
Mr. Marsfelder, seated in center with a baseball caps and surrounded by seven Granville CSD teachers.
Tributes from Colleagues
Jim was a great man, teacher, friend, and military veteran. He was a soft spoken man who was always there with words of wisdom for not only his students, but his colleagues as well. - Granville Jr/Sr High Principal, Justin Nassivera
Jim was a kind and caring man. He was a soft spoken man whose smile spoke volumes. He will be missed. - Cara Pilch, Granville CSD Teacher
Jim was a beloved colleague at SUPA. I had the privilege of working with him for our English program for well over a decade and visiting with him and his SUPA students at Granville frequently when he first became an adjunct instructor for Syracuse University. Jim was an intellectually curious and dedicated teacher who cared deeply about his students and always saw the potential in them. We will miss him. - Christina Parish, Director, Syracuse University Project Advance (SUPA)
I am forever grateful for Mr. Marsfelder’s words of wisdom and ability to see the best in everyone who walked through his door. A true inspiration to all who knew him. - Former Coworker
Tributes from Students
He was by far the most amazing teacher I'd met, he understood when I was unable to be in class. I imagine he'd be proud to know I got a wonderful job and I actually talk about him at work, I'll miss him as I imagine we all will. - Jayden Angove
Mr. Marsfelder was a brilliant teacher who cared so deeply about his students and their education. I went from struggling in English and reading comprehension to being awarded “most outstanding” in the subject senior year with him. He encouraged me to use my creativity in my writing and I will always appreciate him for his “Shakespeare should be watched not read” mentality. I do think he would be proud that I now work in theatre arts! I thank Mr. Marsfelder for his service, his stories, and his compassion. His memory lives on! - Shelley Fairbanks, class of 2011
Mr Marsfelder was one of the best. He was soft spoken, but made an everlasting impression on all of his students. His life stories, and just general care about his students was one of a kind. I speak of him still to this day, and was so lucky to have him not once but twice. Rest in peace. - Maureen Devino, Taught me English in 8th and 10th grade
Mr. Marsfelder was a wonderful teacher. He was intelligent, no nonsense and his presence was unmistakable. I always admired his quiet strength. My sincerest condolences go out to his family. - Daisy Coppins, Student
Mr Marsfelder was one of the greatest men I have even known. He showed me much compassion and helped me so much as I struggled with life throughout school. He will forever be missed. - Harley Moore, Student
Thank you Mr. Marsfelder for being a great teacher to myself and my classmates. You will be remembered. - William Makepeace, He was my English Teacher
Mr. Marsfelder was great man, I really liked him as my English teacher. Thank you for your service Mr. Marsfelder. I will really miss you. Rest in peace. - Chase Finach, Student
Mr. Marsfelder was the most influential teacher, I had the pleasure of having. His teaching approach, his care and consideration of his students, and of people in general were only some of the things that made him an exceptional man. He made a lifelong impact, not only on myself, but on anyone who had the honor of sitting down in front of him. We’ve always need more people like Mr. Marsfelder. - Veronicah Kelley, He was my teacher for multiple years in high school.
Deeply saddened to hear the news of Mr. Marsfelder’s passing. I had a lot of incredible teachers that helped me find passion throughout high school, and Mr. Marsfelder was no different. His dedication to students was admirable and he continuously challenged and pushed us to be our best. I will forever remember the legacy he left behind on that school & his students 🩵 - Allison Arnado, 11th & 12th grade student
He was such an amazing teacher and will forever be missed. - Lacey Norton, Student
Your standards were high, your expectations unwavering, and your discipline firm. Beneath that, you connected with us on a different level. You didn’t just teach the subject, you taught us how to think, push ourselves, and how to strive for excellence. Thank you for demanding the best and giving me the best kind of education and life preparation. - Patrick Loomis, Class of 2013
Mr. Marsfelder was an extraordinarily passionate and dedicated educator. He helped me find my voice through writing and is the reason I pursued an English degree in college. I am forever grateful for his mentorship and extend my deepest condolences to his family. - Grace Hemcher, Former Student
I was beyond fortunate to have had Mr. Marsfelder as my English teacher for several years at Granville High School (Class of 2018). But I first remember him in 2014, when he visited my eighth-grade Social Studies class to recount his experiences as a soldier in the Vietnam War and beyond. The classroom fell silent as he spoke in his singularly soft voice, sharing stories of the horrors he had witnessed—and the resilience he had carried with him.
Mr. Marsfelder had many layers: a Vietnam veteran, an aficionado of musical theater, a lover of the human experience, and above all, a teacher deeply committed to his students. He didn’t just teach literature—he taught us to think critically, to ask questions, to challenge the status quo. He challenged us to become the best versions of ourselves, and in doing so, to build a better world than the one that had tested him.
I wouldn’t be where I am today without Mr. Marsfelder. And I know I’m not alone. Generations of former students are wiser, kinder, and more resilient because of him. In a world that needs those qualities more than ever, his legacy lives on. - Timothy Tennant, Class of 2018
Mr. Marsfelder was a wonderful teacher he was quiet and very observant. I learned a lot in his English class and he was the first person to make me really get deep into my work. Thank you for everything Mr. Marsfelder and my heart goes out to his family. - Abigale Shattuck, Former Student
Some of the best memories I will always have of him:
- reading the crucible and having the “YOU'RE A WITCH” talk and him shouting that multiple times around the room
- him sassing the boys in my guide room
- our AP shirts that said “AP is our religion and Marsfelder is our god” with his face on the back. And is reaction to that!
- his bestie relationship with Mrs. Bromley
- him grading all of our 12 page papers at 2 am.
Legit one of the sweetest teachers ever. The softest voice with the sassiest and sweetest personality and the best advice about the future.
Rest in peace Mr. Mars ❤️ - Jenn DeKalb. He was my guideroom (homeroom teacher for 4 years, I had him for AP and SUPA English as well)
Mr. Marsfelder was a kind and caring person. The little good mornings and smiles would always seem to brighten up my day no matter how bad my day was going. Although I never got the chance to have him as a teacher, the little conversations and hearing his stories always made my day better. - Shanell Williams, High School Student, I had conversations with him in the hallways after school
Mr. Marsfelder was one of the greatest people I have ever and will ever have the pleasure of knowing. He had so much to offer Granville, and such a wide array of life experience that could speak to every discussion I ever had with him. I think he truly could have done anything, but chose to remain teaching high school. And that has benefitted me and so many others immensely. He encouraged me in a way no other teacher could and always pushed me to think outside the box. His impact on my life cannot be overstated, and I shall greatly miss him. - Lilly Sears (Strout)- Mr. Marsfelder was my teacher for three years of English and Philosophy.
Mr. Marsfelder was a magnetic teacher and an incredibly kind man. He had an innate ability to make us think about things on a level most other teachers weren’t able to. He had a profound impact on me personally. He took me under his wing during a really difficult time in my life and he made me feel confident in my intelligence and worth at a time I was at my lowest. He inspired my love for reading and he is the sole reason I still write as a hobby to this day. He taught me that there was value in my thoughts and opinions at a time where I felt like I was invisible. His words and his lessons never left me. He was one of the best and will truly be missed. - Kaitlin D’Angelico, he was my 10th grade teacher and creative writing teacher
Mr. Marsfelder was truly one of the wisest and most intelligent people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Through his teaching, I was able to transform the way I think and the way I live my life- for the better. He will always be the foundation of my growth, and I will always be beyond grateful I got to be his student. - Abigail Desiato, Student
Forever grateful for all that Mr. Marsfelder taught me during my time at Granville. I’m wiser and kinder because of him. - Hannah Gould, Former Student
I appreciate all the laughs and wise words you shared with me. The stories of your adventures. Rest easy Mr. Marsfelder, I’m sure Fritz missed you. - Garrett Whitney, He was my English Teacher
Mr. Marsfelder was the inspiration that drove me to enter the world of English and creative writing. He told me to follow what I’m good at and what makes me happy because that is what life is about. To stay dedicated to your pursuits in life is where success is found. His words of wisdom and encouragement hold strong value in my life. - Lacie Howe, Graduate
Mr. Marsfelder was one of the most kind and intelligent people I ever met. He had a way of making each student feel that their voice was valued. My junior year, he helped to create a special section of SUPA English for myself and three other classmates so that we would be able to get college credit even though the class would not be continuing our senior year. He helped me to build my confidence in my writing, and made me believe that what I had to say mattered. This upcoming school year I will begin my teaching career, and I hope to be able to demonstrate even half of the passion and wisdom to my students that Mars did for me. He was truly an amazing human being and I am a better person for knowing him. - Cassie Weeden, Graduate
One of the best educators I've ever had the opportunity to be taught by. His enthusiasm for teaching and devotion to his students both in the classroom and interpersonally were unmatched. Kind and soft spoken, the breadth of his knowledge and experiences he brought to the classroom were so unique and eye opening for myself and others on countless topics.
He taught me AP English in a way that made me engaged in the course despite my initial resistance to it. He provided fierce, encouraging and constructive feedback on all of our writing assignments. On the day following the 2016 election, he opened the floor for the entire two-period block for us to speak freely on the topic and voice our opinions, support, opposition or concerns in a practical manner for an audience of teenagers. At the end of the course, we had shirts made that read, "AP is our religion and Marsfelder is our God" with a funny drawing of his face on the back that we all wore into the exam.
I attended a technical school my Senior year, and the scheduling interfered with the classes I was meant to take with him in Granville. He went out of his way to independently teach me the material for his SUPA courses, and I had the opportunity to spend many hours working and speaking with him 1 on 1. He helped me write a large number of my college applications, and was with me when I got the acceptance email for the first of all the ones I applied to, paralleling my excitement. He was the only teacher who had convinced me to write a 36 page long essay for an assignment that was meant to be 5 (and he did read all 36 pages!). Some of the topics and material we covered in that class have still stayed with me even 5 years later.
His open-mindedness to difficult topics and viewpoints was a skill that he executed with grace. He never faltered in his beliefs and passion for teaching. He was a Vietnam veteran who saw some of the worst humanity had to offer and still chose to foster good in the world outside of that environment. He provided me, amongst many others, a comfortable atmosphere to flourish and thrive in. He was the kind of teacher that I can only hope every student gets the absolute pleasure of learning from. He will be truly and sincerely missed. - Kelsey Rupe, Class of 2019.
He truly will be remembered, from the small man screaming loudly slamming his cane on tables teaching us about books to just being such a genuine soul. - Michael Mead
Tribute from a Parent
In 18 years of having children in the JR/SR High School, Mr. Marsfelder was well-respected and much loved by my kids. Whether it was the famous “you’re a witch” lecture when introducing The Crucible, or knowing that if they turned in a paper at 10:30pm, chances are it would be graded (with feedback) by the next morning.
My older daughter credits what she learned from Mr. Mars in AP and SUPA with preparing her for the rigor of college level writing assignments. My youngest, well, he was the first person she asked last September for a recommendation letter for college because she valued his opinion of her as a student and because of her respect for him. She referred to him as being her “Feeney”…..the teacher who was always there to encourage and guide them, and provide words of wisdom for the future, much like Mr. Feeney on Boy Meets World.
He truly made an impact on so many students over his 23 years at GHS. And as an educator myself, well, that’s what we all can aspire to do.
I’m glad that all three of my children had the opportunity to be in your classroom throughout their time at Granville. - Johanna DeKalb, GCSD Parent
On behalf of the Granville CSD, thank you to all who have shared reflections here on our the following GCSD Facebook post. More reflections will be added.