James Clayton Brooks

April 26, 1941 - April 1, 2020

James Clayton Brooks was born on April 26, 1941 in Hermitage, Tennessee. He was the youngest son of Jerry T. and Beatrice M. Brooks. He departed this earthly life on April, 1, 2020. While known to the family as James Clayton, he was also affectionately called “Worm” and “John”. James loved being around trucks. After several jobs at local trucking companies, he decided to invest in his future by purchasing his own tractor (an “old” Mac). He became an independent contractor, leasing out to Fleet Transport Company. Using his experience of working around trucks and love of “tinkering”, he managed to keep her on the road. An opportunity to join Ryder Dedicated Logistics, operating arm of the Saturn Company in Spring Hill, Tennessee found him traveling many states and working with some awesome truck drivers, a brotherhood that supports the lifeblood of this country. James had a unique ability to look at a problem and find a solution. There are many examples but one true to his heart was building a deck on the back of the house. We spent summer days there talking about any and everything while he rocked in Mama Bea’s rocking chair. Celebrating over 41 years of marriage, James was a wonderful husband to Deborah, who carries him in her heart and spirit. He was Daddy, “Pops” to devoted children Tonya Ann (Willie), George Anthony (Carlotta) and Jayme Brooks Salter (Derrick). He was “PaPa to grandchildren (Antonio, Tierra, Tyler, Derriona, Gabrielle, Willie, George Anthony Jr, Derrick Jaymes (DJ), Josie and pre-deceased by his angel Victoria Faith, great grands (Antonio, Ari and Dominic). He is also survived by devoted brothers Doyle Brooks (Juanita) and George W Brooks; devoted sisters Alma Stinson, Mary Ewin, Dorothy Mitchell and Carrie Washington; devoted brother-in-law Walter Johnson and devoted sister-in-law Marquetta Andrews. He was a dedicated uncle to a host of nieces, nephews and other cousins. He always found a way to check on all of his family. He had a special relationship with his nephew/namesake “Lil James”. James never met a stranger and was always willing to help in a situation that needed his attention. He was loved and liked by many. We will never know how many people he touched and he didn’t need to count. He will be fondly remembered by his friends “out South” and his neighbors on Meadowside Ln in Parkwood. He was loved by all and loved all in return.