James Paul Brooks

Brooks will be remembered for his generosity, warmth, and his extra-large handshake by anyone lucky enough to make his acquaintance. Brooks successfully coached youth sports in football and lacrosse. He took pride in serving as assistant coach for the Mary G. Davis Middle School Football team the year they won the Mecklenburg County championship. His son Jonathan played on that team. Brooks was also a team founder and founding Head Coach for the Butler High School Lacrosse team, which also included Jonathan. Brooks helped lead the team to the 2005 Charlotte Championship. Six players from that team were selected as Queen City All Stars that year.

Brooks had been a member of the Blair Road United Methodist Church. His roles there included serving on the Strategic Planning committee, and as Assistant Scoutmaster.

Brooks was generous with his time and talents. He greatly enjoyed participating in the annual Toys for Tots campaign, volunteering to collect and distribute gifts and food to children during several Christmas seasons. Through this and other activities Brooks brought joy and smiles to many children and their grateful parents.

Kiawah Island was homebase for years of treasured memories with Priscilla, Jonathan and their extended family and friends. His favorite activities included golf, beachcombing, fishing, and just hanging out. He particularly enjoyed long hikes and talks with Jonathan.

Brooks is predeceased by his parents, Paul E. and Hellen Brooks and his brother Curt Brooks. He is survived by his immediate family, his wife Priscilla and son Jonathan. He is also survived by his brother Scott Brooks and his wife Lori, his sister Patricia Shogren, and her husband Don. On Priscilla’s side, his loving family includes her brother James F Wiley II, his wife Cathy of Glastonbury, CT and their children and her sister Belinda Nunez, her husband Carlos of Duluth, GA and their family.

A gathering will be held in remembrance of Brooks at McEwen Funeral Home, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Charlotte, NC 28227 on Friday, May 24th from 4 to 6 pm.