James William Brooks

James William Brooks, age 71, passed away on Sunday, July 08, 2012 surrounded by his loving family at Richard Murphy Hospice House in Hammond. He was native and resident of Hammond. He is survived by his wife of 39 years Phyllis Wagner Brooks; three children and spouses Chad James Brooks and wife Jana Broussard Brooks, Julie Marie Brooks Peltier and husband Jeremy Peltier; and Joshua Gordon Brooks and wife Lillie Harrell Brooks; sister Gloria Brooks Barrios; brother Richard Brooks, seven grandchildren Carson and Allie Brooks, Ethan and Eli Peltier; and James, Jackson, and Davis Brooks and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

Preceded in death by his mother Josephine Alfonso Brooks; father James Woodrow Brooks; and aunt Lillie Alfonso.

He was the former owner and operator of Brooks Restaurant and Tropic Cafe; retired insurance agent with the Knights of Columbus; retired manager of Rose Memorial Park Cemetery, City of Hammond Greenlawn Cemetery, and Holy Gardens Cemetery all of Hammond; a former employee of Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home, member of the Knights of Columbus, John F. Kennedy Council 2952 for over 40 years having served three consecutive terms as Grand Knight and former Eucharist Minister for Holy Ghost Catholic Church.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 11, 2012 from 5pm until 9pm at Harry McKneely and Son Funeral Home in Hammond. Visitation will resume on Thursday, July 12, 2012 at Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Hammond from 9am until Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. Burial will follow in Rose Memorial Park Cemetery in Hammond. Memorial donations can made to Richard Murphy Hospice House (985-386-0400). Condolences can be made at www.oursofuneralhome.com.