James Neil Brooks

James Neil Brooks, 96, of Bartlesville, died Sunday, September 22, 2024, in Bartlesville. James was born the son of Francis Neil and Alice Lucy (Duvall) Brooks on May 20, 1928, in Hutchinson, KS. He also lived in Warsaw, MO, and Peru, KS. Growing up, James enjoyed playing and hunting in the woods, joining his dad in the summers at engineering work job sites, and playing the violin, often accompanying his mother at church. James graduated from Peru High School where he lettered in basketball. He enlisted and served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged before furthering his education in Kansas and then graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in Civil Engineering. While working for Phillips Petroleum Company in Borger, TX, James met June Constance Kurtz. They quickly fell in love and married on April 10, 1952. Jim built their house in Borger in his off time. Their daughter Nancy Jean was born in Borger in 1958 and then the family moved to Bartlesville, where Barbara Ann was born in 1960. The family lived in Idaho in the early 60s, where they loved to camp, fish and ski while James worked as supervisor of draftsmen at a nuclear site near Arco, Idaho. After transferring back to Bartlesville in 1965, James worked for Phillips Petroleum until he retired in 1987 as Eastern Reginal Manger of Phillips Gas Company. After 53 years of loving marriage, in 2005, June preceded him in death. One day while Jim was exercising at the hospital fitness center, he met Susan Howarth and after a year of visiting, they decided to marry on March 31, 2007, making their home in Bartlesville and enjoying their now extended family. James and Susan enjoyed traveling. Jim enjoyed the “getting there” more than “being there” part of the vacation. They also enjoyed senior dances, eating out and seafood. James continued his woodworking. He harvested and milled walnut. His family still enjoys many of his hand-crafted furniture pieces. Later in life, James resumed playing the violin and enjoyed playing his favorite songs with his friend Mort Cuplin. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels for over a decade. He loved the Lord and was active in his home church at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. James is survived by his wife of 17 years, Susan; children, Nancy Brooks Farrell and Barbara Todd, and Susan’s daughter Karalee (Geoffrey) Sitnik; grandchildren, Ryelee Todd, Kathrine Todd, Lorelei Sitnik, Titus Sitnik, Adelyn Sitnik, Juliette Sitnik and Lyla-Rose Sitnik. He is preceded in death by his parents; first wife, June Constance Brooks; son-in-law, Brenton Q. Todd; grandson, James “JC” Casey Todd; brother, Jerry Brooks; sister, Amy Porter; and Susan’s sons, Brett Terry and Ryan Terry. Visitation will be held on Friday from 10-8 at the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel, 4201 Nowata Road, Bartlesville, OK 74006, 918-333-7665. Services will be held on Saturday, at 10 a.m., at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, with the Rev. Nick Phares officiating. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home & Crematory – Walker Brown Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

James Neil Brooks

May 20, 1928 - September 22, 2024