James 'Pops' Brooks

James W. Pops' Brooks, 87, of Georgetown, passed away at 11:22am, Thursday, June 21, 2012, at his home. He was born on April 12, 1925, in Indianola, IL, the son of Wesley and Vera {Van Fleet} Brooks, both deceased. He was united in marriage to Mary Elizabeth Fratick on June 16, 1946, in Georgetown and enjoyed 66 years together. She will miss him dearly. He will also be missed by: his son, Chris (Michelle) Brooks of Georgetown; his daughter, Jamie (Mike) Spezia of Covington, IN; his grandchildren, Anthony Spezia of Covington, IN, Alex Spezia of Covington, IN, & Derek Shuman of Georgetown; his brother, Harrell (Rhea) Brooks of Olivet; his sister, Jane Richie of Golden, CO; and his black Scottish Terrier, Daisy. He was preceded in death by an infant son and his brother, Keith. Pops was a proud Veteran of the US Army serving in the 29th Division 116 Infantry as a medic and was in the first wave at Omaha Beach, Normandy, on D-Day 1944. He was wounded in St. Lo, France, and received the Purple Heart & Medal of Honor. James worked for General Motors and retired after 32 years as a Production Control Supervisor. He also worked for Latoz Hardware in Georgetown where he did small engine repair. He also owned a shop out of his home called, Jim's Small Engine Repair. During high school, Jim was captain of the football team in Georgetown. He later volunteered his time by coaching little league baseball in Georgetown, becoming an Assistant Scout Master, & also served as a City of Georgetown Alderman, as well as, serving as President of the Georgetown Cemetery. James was a member of the First Church of Christ, past President of the Lions Club, and served for the Georgetown Fair Board. James was a life-long member of the Georgetown American Legion Dornblaser Post #203 and D.A.V. Pops lived his life to the fullest every day of his life. He enjoyed going hunting for pheasants & rabbits, as well as, being an avid fisherman. His favorite pastime was fishing for small-mouth bass. When he was 82, James caught 107lb Tarpon. He also was able to experience going 185mph around the track at Daytona International Speedway at age 84. He was famous for "Pops Famous Recipe" for barbeque chicken and his ice tea. His memory will be remembered and cherished by all who knew and loved him. There will be private family services held at a later date as were James' wishes. Per his request, James will be cremated and Sunset's Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home will assist his family. Memorial donations may be given in James' name to Forest Glen County Preserve or C.A.R.A., 609 E 5th St, Tilton. Please join his family in sharing memories through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.