John Allen Brooks

John was born on June 3, 1953, in Ooltewah, TN. He grew up on the family farm in Ooltewah. John attended Ooltewah Elementary and McCallie School before graduating from Ooltewah High School in 1971. While at Ooltewah, John was a member of the football, basketball, and track teams. He also was a member of the Beta Club. After high school, John was appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point. John received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tennessee in 1975 and his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1978.

After graduating from law school, John worked as an attorney for the UT Legal Clinic and Southeast Tennessee Legal Services. Later, John worked as an account executive at Merrill Lynch in Chattanooga. In 1991, John returned to practicing law as a public defender in Hamilton County. Later, he transitioned to private practice in criminal law, practicing in both federal and state courts. John was particularly proud of his work with the juvenile courts and his role as a guardian ad litem, with a focused interest on mental health issues.

In addition to John’s legal practice, he was known throughout the community for his role as an elected official, public servant, and as a tireless Democrat. John served as the chairperson of the Hamilton County Democratic Party twice. He served as a Hamilton County Commissioner from 2006-2010 and ran for various elected offices, most recently in 2022 for Hamilton County District Attorney. He referred to himself as the Country Lawyer and was known for his staple appearance in a hat and suspenders. In retirement, John enjoyed traveling, national park exploration, keeping up with the latest political news, and attending trivia at local pubs.

John is preceded in death by his wife, Janet Rose Brooks; parents, Henry Allen Brooks and Betty Wheeler Brooks; and brother, Mark Wheeler Brooks.

He is survived by his brother, Phillip (Gena) Brooks; sister-in-law, Sallie Brooks; nieces, Kelley(Bradlee) Simoneaux, Emily (Matthew) Smith, Michelle (Brock) Oliver, and Sarah (Philip)DePrimo; nephew, Adam (Maegan) Brooks; along with Trey (Candace) Chenkus, Matthew Chenkus, Mandy Chenkus; grandchildren, River Chenkus and Carlotta Chenkus; special friends, Donna Miller, Brennan Miller, Ashlan Miller, and Alexis Street; and many great nieces and nephews. John also leaves behind his faithful companion, Honey, our Brittney Spaniel, one of the true loves of his life.

The family will receive family and friends at the Chattanooga Funeral Home, Valley View Chapel on Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 12:00pm - 2:00pm followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:00pm in the chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the AIM Center, 472 West MLK Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37402 or a Democratic Party candidate of your choice.

Please visit www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com to share your memories of John.

Arrangements are by the Valley View Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37421.