James Arthur Brooks was born on May 25, 1942 in Marion Alabama. He departed this life on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 at Lutheran Hospital.

 

James moved to Fort Wayne at a young age, in which he was raised by his grandmother Mary Bell Craig.

 

He was baptized by the late Rev. John Dixie Jr. at Pilgrim Baptist Church.

 

James was a 1961 graduate of Central High School. 

 

On May 1, 1962 he united in holy matrimony to Velvet L. Van Pelt.  

 

In 1965, he received his Associates degree in Science from The University of Indiana. (Bloomington, Indiana)

 

James started his career with American Hoist where he worked for 17 years, until the closing of American Hoist. He then furthered his career with Slater Steel as a welder until his retirement.

 

During his free time he enjoyed bowling, baseball, softball and basketball.  His love  of sports was displayed on the many teams he would participate on which gained him numerous trophies, in which he displayed proudly. His best times spent were with his family which he cherished dearly and shared with his loving wife Velvet.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Frances (Page) Brooks; siblings, Alfonzo Brooks, Lane, Theodore, Gale and Stan Hatch.

 

Surviving are his loving and devoted wife of 59 years, Velvet Brooks; three daughters, Vowanda Jiles, Roxie Brooks and Anita Brooks; six grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, brothers, Steve, Harold and Jewel Hatch; sisters, Jennifer Norsett and Scarlet Dixie, and Rocille Strauser, along with a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, other relatives and friends.