James F. Brooks

Jim Brooks of Findlay has completed his journey home to our Lord. He was preceded by the love of his life, Mary, who passed in 2014. He will also be reunited with his father Absolem, and mother Mildred, both of Toledo.  Jim leaves behind five children: Jim Brooks Jr. (Onie), of Apache Junction, AZ; Kathy Biniak (Tab Wells), of Rawson; Cheri Brinkman (Jack), of Delphos; Carol Lease (Devon), of Findlay: and Ken Brooks (Kim), of Helotes, TX, as well as a sister, Charlene Reese of Toledo. Jim has many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even great-great grandchildren, who are his gifts from God.

Jim spent most of his life in the electrical industry. He started as an assistant engineer in high school and attended the University of Toledo. He found his way to Findlay as an electrical contractor, where he achieved many landmarks on his resume around Ohio and Michigan. In the early ‘90s, he merged with another business. During his time as Executive Vice President, he oversaw construction all over the state and many locations around the country.

Jim began his “second career” at age 64, working for Blanchard Valley Medical Association. He oversaw the construction of the new Findlay hospital, along with Eastern Woods, Bluffton and Carey, among others. His participation in one project, Miracle Park, was very special for him.

Jim retired in April of 2020. During his storied career, he spent over 30 years serving on industry committees such as Apprenticeship, Labor Management, Health and Welfare and Negotiations. He served on the Board of Directors for the Toledo Electrical Contractors Association, with multiple terms as President and Governor. He served as a mentor to many in the construction industry. He was an instructor for apprentice and journeyman electricians. He is an honorary lifetime member of the National Electrical Contractors Association. He founded the Findlay Area Plant Engineers Group. Both of his sons followed in his footsteps in the electrical field.

Jim gave many hours of his time serving on the Board of Directors at Findlay Country Club and YMCA. He also chaired the building committee at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church. His involvement in church also included serving as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister.

Services will be held at HUFFORD FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 Manor Hill Rd., Findlay (419-422-1500), Saturday, September 10 at 11:30 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. Msgr. Michael Hohenbrink will officiate. Burial will be at a future date in Bishop Cemetery, Eagle Twp. Memorials may be made to Blanchard Valley Health Foundation.

Our family is eternally grateful for Jim’s caretaker Kim Myers, and his prayer partner Jane Cortana. We also would like to thank the caregivers at Birchaven and Blanchard Valley Hospital.