James Brooks, Jr., 42, passed away Thursday, March 30, 2006 in Topeka. He was born May 1, 1963 in Topeka, the son of Thomas James and Janelle Brooks. He grew up in Topeka, graduated from Topeka High School, and later attended Grambling University in Louisiana. James was very active in sports and loved basketball and wrestling. James spent 8 years in the Navy, and during his tour of duty, traveled around the world 4 times. After the Navy, he was an engineer for the State of Kansas, and later a service technician for Sprint. Surviving are his parents, Thomas James and Janelle Brooks; daughter, Lakiesha Brooks, son, John January, brother, Larry Brooks, sisters: Lisa and Deshay Brooks, Grandmother, Winnie Mae Burkes; 2 grandchildren, 3 nieces, 4 nephews, 5 aunts, 2 uncles, and a host of cousins.