James Brooks

James #8220;Jim#8221; Joseph Brooks, 87, of Chestnut Montana, passed away on November 14, 2007 at his home. He was born in Chestnut on February 26, 1920 to James A. and Elizabeth A. (Maykuth) Brooks. Jim lived in Chestnut almost all of his life. It was his favorite place in the world. You could say Chestnut was in his blood. He married Ora Virginia Whitney on March 23, 1944 in Livingston, MT; they had one child, James Joseph Brooks Jr. Jimmy Joe was Jim#8217;s pride and Joy. The tragic death in November 1987 of his wife Ora, son Jimmy Joe, and daughter-in-law Sharon made a great impact on Jim#8217;s life. Jim worked for the Montana Department of Highways plowing snow for over 30 years and worked as the supervisor of the Bozeman section. The highway department considered him their unofficial barometer. They said if Jim buttoned his shirt past number 3 buttonhole, you knew it was cold outside; if you saw him with his jacket zippered you better just plain stay indoors. He raised Turkeys, exotic chickens, ducks and peacocks. Jim was famous for his smokehouse cuisine. He was gifted when it came to smoking turkey, fish, and wild game. Jim enjoyed working in his flower and vegetable garden and produced incredible bounties. Family and friends loved his legendary nut roll. He was very passionate about hunting, fishing, family, friends, and of coarse his Dogs. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed joking around. He had hundreds of stories to tell and loved to share his life experiences with everyone that was interested. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Ora, son and daughter-in-law James and Sharon; brother Ray Brooks and sister Marie Murphy. Survivors include his four grandchildren Sami (Craig) Brodahl of Cheyenne, WY, Michael Brooks of Washington D.C., Sherri (Faron) McWilliams of Missoula, MT, and Sean Brooks of Scottsdale, AZ; four great-grandchildren Ashton and Austin Brodahl of Cheyenne, WY, and Kylie and Kade McWilliams of Missoula, MT; sister Mae Tootell of Saco, MT; brother and sister-in-law Gene and Barbara Brooks of Bozeman, MT, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many special friends especially Nona Chambers and Steve Wiltzen of Chestnut, MT. Visitation Sunday 1 to 4 pm at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held 2:30 pm Monday November 19, 2007 at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Interment to follow at Sunset Hills Cemetery. Memorial may be made to Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter, 1549 E. Cameron Bridge Rd, Bozeman, MT 59718. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.dahlcares.com.