James D. Brooks Sr.

James D. Brooks Sr., 95, passed away on Monday, August 14, 2023 at Country Health Care & Rehab in Gifford, IL.

James was born on June 14, 1928 in Glasgow, KY to Ulyssis and Mentie (Hunt) Brooks.  He married Dorothy Ballard on December 3, 1949 in Urbana.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy Brooks; four children, Marsha Gill, James (Teri) Brooks Jr., Barbara (Chuck) Mourer, and Michael (Mary) Brooks; 7 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, several brothers and sisters, and a son-in-law Dale Gill.

James began farming at a young age and continued to do so for many years.  Farming didn’t keep him as busy as he would like so he then began to build homes when he wasn’t in the fields and did that for around 41 years; he was a hard worker.  When he wasn’t working he enjoyed stock car racing, NASCAR, and loved to travel with his wife Dorothy.  He was a church goer for 40 years at the Apostolic church in Champaign and even put an addition on the church.  James loved his family and the time he got to spend with them. 

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at the Locust Grove Cemetery in Philo, IL; Pastor Jerry Conner will be officiating. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Country Health Care & Rehab (2304 CR 3000 N Gifford, IL 61847).

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