Obituaries

James Earl Brooks (affectionately known as “Cat” by his family), 76, of Country Club Hills Illinois transitioned to eternal rest on April 1st, 2025 with his family at his bedside. After a life of love and devotion to his family and dearest friends, he was called home to be with his parents, siblings and other cherished family members who preceded him in death. James was born July 15, 1948 in Lowndes County. He was the twelfth of 17 children to the late L. P. and Nancy Lee Samuels-Brooks. James accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior under the leadership of Reverend Floyd Thompson, Mt. Avery Missionary Baptist Church, Brooksville, Mississippi at an early age. James was born into a large and protective family. Although shy, he was rambunctious and determined. He earned the name cat because as a young boy he routinely climbed the armoire where his mother stored cakes, bit off pieces of cake and then turned the cakes around so no one could see the missing pieces. James attended and graduated from B F. Liddell High School in 1969. Some of his fondest memories included the time he spent with family and friends particularly on the basketball court. He proudly served as the point guard directing plays, supporting his teammates and leading his team to victories. The same drive and selflessness he showed on the court was evident later in life when he left the south and moved to Chicago to forge a new life with his wife Thelma and their baby daughter Margaret in 1969. He would eventually follow his older brothers into a job at Acme Steelmill. Known as "Jim" he worked tirelessly as a crane operator, sometimes working long shifts and multiple shifts to support his family. He was able to successfully retire after 30 years of service. James, Thelma and Margaret joined Bread of Life Missionary Baptist Church. James became a strong tither supporting the development of the church building fund. He also served as a member of the Men's Chorus and coached the youth baseball team. And while eventually James and Thelma would separate, their love and devotion for their child and grandchild (James Zahran) rebuilt and strengthened their relationship. They worked together providing care and support for their children and each other in whatever way they could. James' personal quest for growth, learning and community involvement led him to joining the Masonic Order. His dedication led to the award of the 33rd degree evidencing outstanding service and leadership. Throughout his life he gave openly and freely to friends and family in need. His generous spirit and nature defined who he was. Highly opinionated, a devoted father, loving grandfather, adored brother and beloved uncle, James leaves to cherish his memory and continue his legacy of giving and service: his beloved daughter, Margaret (Troy) Brooks-LaRaviere and one grandchild, James LaRaviere, his siblings, Dorothy Sykes, Earnestine Ray, Santiana (Willie) Ervin and Michael Brooks; a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. James was predeceased by his parents, L. P. and Nancy Samuels-Brooks and siblings - seven brothers: Jesse, Chris, Walter, Prealus, James Thomas, Earnest Brooks and Sammy ; six sisters: Corean Scott-Carter, Mattie Mosley-Westbrook, Arlena Gunn, Mary Kelly, Annie McCray and Bertha Sanders. The family would like to express special thanks and acknowledgement to Pastor David Sutton, Associate Pastor Glenda G. Ellerson and the Bread of Life Family. A special note of thanks to Mattie B. Bentley, the Methodist University Hospital in Memphis TN, and the caregiving support provided by Bright Starr and Caregiver Adama for the care and support provided to him up until the very end.