Brooks, James Whitney
On November 29th, 2023 Captain James Whitney Brooks took flight and flew into the sunset at the young age of 86. James was born to Mansford and Cora (Tees) Brooks in Sudbury on a cold November day in 1937. As the smart, funny, albeit bossy, older brother to his beloved siblings, Nancy Riley (John) and the late Ernest Brooks (Bonnie), James loved nothing more than spending quality time with them at their summer camp in the Manitoulin.
As a young child, Jimmy had a fascination with trains, planes and automobiles; so it came as no surprise that his first job was working on the rails before joining the Air Force as a pilot flying the F-86 Sabre. While stationed in Baden-Soellingen, the circle was finally complete when he bought his dream car - a well built German machine. After his stint in the Air Force, he took a job as a bush pilot in Quebec where he met a beautiful girl. It wasn't long before they married and headed west to Vancouver where he landed his dream job flying for Canadian Pacific Airlines. After moving to Whitehorse, Prince George and then Tsawwassen his family of four finally put down roots in Barrie in 1971. James enjoyed the simple pleasures of life: spending time with his family boating on Lake Simcoe, float plane adventures to northern Ontario and Quebec, and cherished family trips to the Manitoulin, LaCloche and Kawagama Lake. Upon his retirement in 1997, James continued making lasting memories with family and friends.
James leaves behind his loving wife Geraldine (nee Marcoux) and daughters Susan (Paul) and Lise (John) whom he cherished dearly. His much beloved grandchildren (aka Team Brooks) Christina (Rigel), Elizabeth (Justin), Alexander (Brittany ), William, Charlotte, George (Simona), James and great granddaughter Audrey will forever remember their special papa as a funny and entertaining story teller, regaling with a twinkle in his eye, a little chuckle on the side and some colourful language.
As a beloved husband, father, papa and friend, James leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and a very special place in the hearts of all who loved him.
Family would like to express sincere gratitude and appreciation to Jim's caregivers and the staff at Hospice Simcoe. In keeping with Jim’s wishes, cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jim’s memory can be made to Hospice Simcoe. A private family celebration of life will be held next summer.
Jim's ashes will rest beneath the whispering pines on the peaceful waters of Kawagama Lake - a perfect landing Captain Brooks.