James Gordon Brooks Jr's Obituary
James Gordon Brooks Jr. passed away December 6, 2020 at Ashford Memory Care Center in Springville, UT. James was born April 27, 1932 in Cincinnati, OH to James and Mary Irene Brooks. James grew up in Cincinnati and graduated from Walnut Hills High School. He then attended the University of Cincinnati. It is during this time that he met Naida Jean Hicks at church. They began courting and after his second year of college, James enlisted in the Army. He left for active duty on December 1952 during the Korean War and was assigned to the 578th Engineer Field Maintenance Company. James received a National Defense Service Medal. Upon his return after the war ended he and Naida married in the LDS Logan Temple in 1955. They made their home in Cincinnati and they later moved to Provo, Utah and Madison, WI while James attended college and graduate school respectively. James received his PhD and went on to become a tenured professor at Kent State University for over 30 years. He also coached the KSU women’s volleyball team for 5 years. He was well liked by all of his students and fellow faculty members and staff. James and Naida made their home for those 30 years in Canton, Ohio where they raised six children. In 2005 they retired to Albuquerque, NM. James was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a Bishop for four years as well as in various other volunteer positions. He loved playing golf with his sons and supporting all of his children in their athletic and extracurricular activities. He adored his grandchildren and could be found snuggled in with a book reading to them.
James is preceded in death by his beloved wife Naida, his parents, James & Mary Brooks, and brother Ronald Brooks.
James is survived by his children; sons James (Linda) Brooks, Mark (Beckie) Brooks, Benjamin (Christine) Brooks, and daughters Julie (Brian) Christensen, Kelly (Antone) Mickelson, and Amy (Darren) Joffs; brothers Thomas Brooks and Robert Brooks and sisters Norma Eberle and Nancy Brooks. He leaves behind cherished memories to his 24 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be graveside with only immediate family
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