James Allen Brooks Sr., 70, passed away at his Portland, Indiana, residence on June 6, 2025.  James was born the son of Frances James Edward and Lillian Marie Bright on May 31, 1955, in Muncie, Indiana.

Following graduation from Muncie Southside High School in 1973, he went on to work with his father at Broderick’s, which later became King Forge.  In his earlier years, James enjoyed playing softball, fishing, golfing, and bowling.  He was also an avid collector of knives and anything eagle-related.  In later life, he found joy in simpler things, such as drinking coffee on the porch, spending time outdoors, and tending to his yard.  He was a kind-hearted man who had a lot of friends.

He is survived by his sister, Ruth Bright; brother, John Bright; sisters, Vivian Bright and Tina Bright; and his children: James Brooks Jr. and his wife, Misty, Foster Brooks and his fiancée, Amber Alexander, Kelley Taylor and her husband Brandon, and Tad Brooks and his wife Leslie.

He is also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Jacob Brooks, Benjamin Brooks, Delaney Brooks, Tyler Brooks and his partner Shealyn Dennis, Baili Brooks, Landon Taylor, Aaliyah Taylor, Cooper Taylor, Adilynn Taylor, Katelynn Taylor, Mason Hiday, Dalton Hiday, and Leo Brooks, and great-grandchild Jaxon Brooks.

He was preceded in death by his father, Francis James Edward Bright; mother, Lillian Marie Bright; brothers, Kevin Bright, Robert Brooks, and Rick Bright; and sister, Sharon Bright

Friends may call on the family on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Parson Mortuary, 801 W. Adams, Muncie, Indiana.  Cremation will follow with burial at Tomlinson Cemetery at a later date.