James R. Brooks (1934-2001) | University of Illinois Archives

James R. Brooks was born on November 4, 1934 and married Margaret L. Brooks (1934-2020) in 1958.

Brooks was the Assistant Director at the Urbana Middle School from 1968-1972, and later the Middle School Band Director from 1975-1992. From 1972-1975, he was the Urbana High School Band Director. During this time the Urbana High School Band traveled playing concerts in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

James R. Brooks passed away on August 6, 2021 in Burnsville, Minnesota and was survivied by his daughters, Carolyn Corzine and Julie Belford, as well as five grandchildren and seven great-grand children.