James "Big Jim" Brooks' Obituary
James “Big Jim” Brooks, 76, passed away on April 19, 2025. He was born on April 7, 1949, to Anthony Brooks and Marian Alice Alexander Brooks on Elm Street in Syracuse. He and Lauren (Pierce) Brooks married on December 8, 1972, at St. Vincent de Paul Church, where the Brooks family continued to attend. Jim raised his family on the Northside but always remained part of the “Elm Street Crew.” Jim was the beloved father of two daughters, three grandchildren, and the “favorite” child among his eight siblings. He worked for the Carrier Corporation for 47 years. Jim loved camping with his family, listening to “Saturday Night of Gold” around a campfire. He was everyone’s first phone call to help with repairs, errands, moving, or whatever else was needed. He had a natural curiosity, always tinkering, inventing, and learning new things. He made friends easily, especially if they shared his fondness for PBR. He loved spending time with his wife in Syracuse during the summer and in Florida in the winter. Jim would do anything for his mother, who turns 100 this week, including trips to the grocery store just to walk around. He fiercely loved his wife, daughters, and grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his father, Anthony Brooks, his brother, Anthony “Skip” Brooks, and his in-laws, Andrew and Lois Pierce.
Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lauren; his children, Jennifer (Jonathan) Brooks James, and Jaime Brooks; his grandchildren, Edith, Brady, and Quinn James; his mother, Marian Brooks; his siblings, Marilynn (Michael) Bergett, Michael (Anna) Brooks, Patricia (David) Smith, Alice Coleman, Nancy Brooks, Jo Ann (Steve) Saya; his sister-in-law, Sharon Brooks, and his many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 11am to 1pm, with a funeral service immediately following at THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Rd. (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse NY. He will be laid to rest in Assumption Cemetery.
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