Retired lieutenant Mass. State Police

Published in the June 2, 2016 edition

NORTH READING — James F. “Brooksie” Brooks, of North Reading, May 23. He was the Bbeloved husband of Jane (Reddish) and the father of Michael Brooks and his fiancée Trisha Rooney of IL, John Brooks assigned to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, and Erin and Emily Brooks of North Reading. He was the son of Nancy Brooks of Wilmington and her late husband John. Brother of John Brooks and his wife Sue of Medfield, Paul and his wife Sally of Wilmington, Nance Brooks of Woburn and Susan Harper and her husband Chris of ME. Brother-in-law of Jim Reddish and his wife Karen, John Reddish and his wife Lynn and Mark Reddish and his companion Jenn Stratford all of Weymouth. James is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and extended family. James will be missed by his family, friends, colleagues and neighbors.

He served 29 years with the Massachusetts State Police, until 2008, when he retired as a Lieutenant. James served as President of North Reading Youth Football and the Cape Ann Youth Football League. Coaching his children’s sports teams and times spent at Kezar Lake were some of James’ fondest memories. He was happiest spending time on his porch and listening to James Taylor and Frank Sinatra with his family. His funeral Mass was held at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter St. (Rte. 62), North Reading on Saturday, May 28 at 10:30 a.m. Visiting hours in the Cota Funeral Home on Friday. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the James F. Brooks Memorial Fund c/o Citizens Bank 72 Main St. North Reading, MA 01864. Interment Private.