James Howard Brooks, 93 and a lifelong resident of the Old Tallulah community of Robbinsville, N.C., passed away on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, at Mountain View Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Bryson City, N.C., surrounded by his daughters and grandchildren.
He was a native of Graham County and the son of the late Ross and Ida Shuler Brooks. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life, Mellie Adams Brooks, after 68 years of marriage in 2016; his brother, Gordon (Skinny) Brooks; and sisters, Thetus Nelms and Marie Conley.
Howard was a veteran of the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during World War II. He retired from Phillips & Jordan Inc. in 1987 after 30 years of employment and then worked with the U.S. Forest Service Cheoah Ranger District for 15 years.
The family blessed to share his memories are daughters, Clarice Brooks and Regina Brooks, both of Robbinsville, N.C.; grandchildren, John Shuler (Valinda) of Robbinsville, N.C., Heath Sawyer (Cindy) of Tecumseh, Mich., Nathan Sawyer of Savannah, Mo. and Mackenzie Sawyer (Anthony Darter) of Franklin, N.C; and sister, Brenda Fisher (Tony) of Granite Falls, N.C. Also left to share his memory are 10 great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, and special caregivers, Maggie, Kelsey, Stacy, Sarah, and Jayce.
Graveside services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, at the Lone Oak Baptist Church Cemetery. The Revs. John Conley and Scott Roper officiated.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations by made to Lone Oak Baptist Church, in Howard’s memory.
Townson-Smith Funeral Home was honored to serve the Brooks family.
An online register is available at townson-smithfuneralhome.com.