James E. Brooks

James “Jimmy” Brooks passed away on January 16, 2026, with his family by his side. Jimmy was born in Moriah on March 23, 1944, the eldest son of Harold “Joe” Brooks and Mary (Ponessa) Brooks-DeMatteo. Jimmy graduated in the final class of Moriah Central School in 1962 and later attended the Miner Institute in Chazy. He entered the United States Air Force in May 1964, serving 1,000 days in Vietnam and 100 months in Korea. His military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal—pinned on his chest in Vietnam by his brother Bruce—the Meritorious Service Medal, two Air Force Commendation Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, five Air Force Good Conduct Medals, the Vietnam Service Medal with seven Battle Stars, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Honor Medal, and the Cross of Gallantry. Jimmy retired in May 1984 with the rank of Master Sergeant. He was a life member of the VFW and Disabled Veterans of America. In 1985, Jimmy returned to Port Henry and opened Jimmy’s in the former Essex Theatre. Jimmy’s quickly became a hub of community activity, offering convenience items such as coffee, soda, snacks, soft ice cream, lottery tickets, and movie rentals. Open nearly 18 hours a day, seven days a week, for 15 years, Jimmy’s generated over one million dollars annually in lottery sales, making it one of the highest-producing lottery agents north of New York City. During its operation, Jimmy employed nearly 150 people—mostly students. Many affectionately called him “Homes,” a term of endearment he used often and joked, “It works well when you can’t remember all their names.” Jimmy took great pride in seeing former employees go on to successful careers, including lawyers, doctors, bankers, nurses, teachers, social workers, and professionals in business and government. Jimmy served as Town Justice from New Year’s Day 1992 until his retirement on New Year’s Eve 2005. Judge Brooks was widely respected for his common-sense approach, fair decisions, and deep knowledge of the law. Jimmy is survived by his sons, Scott (Diane) Brooks of Beaverton, OR, and Stacey (Judy) Brooks of Plattsburgh, NY; his daughters, Samantha (Tony) Nguyen of Chandler, AZ, and Kara (Jason) Vargo of Witherbee, NY; his grandchildren, Krystle, Nickolas, Parker, and Kiera Brooks; Amanda, Asia, Aaron, and Aden Nguyen; and “Grandpa’s little girl,” Isabella Vargo. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren and his godson, Bo Putnam. He was predeceased by his wife, Anita (French) Brooks; his parents; his stepfather, Arturo DeMatteo; his brother, Bruce; his sisters, Rosalie, Rochelle, and Rowena Raye; his niece, Tina Helms; and his dear friends, Ronnie Jean and Emily. There will be no calling hours, and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice—or simply take your family out to dinner.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James E. Brooks, please visit our floral store.