Obit: James Borden Brooks, former President of Immanuel Lutheran of Oxford

Mr. James Borden Brooks, passed away peacefully after a brief illness on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at Waterbury Hospital. He was born in Florenceville, New Brunswick, Canada, son of the late Alfred and Bernice (Tompkins) Brooks.

Borden was the beloved husband of Joan (Bates) Brooks for 57 years. He was a graduate of Bullard Havens, Class of 1955. He worked for the E. H. Kneen Company for 25 years and retired from Barnes Industry in 2000.

Borden loved his church, Immanuel Lutheran of Oxford and was a church school teacher, church council member, serving as President for many years, a church usher and President of the property committee.

He was a member of the Great Hill Hose Company for 50 years, holding several positions including captain. He was cofounder of Connecticut Chapter 7 of the Red Knights Motorcycle Club for firemen.

Borden was also the Chartered Operational Representative for Boy Scout troop 65 sponsored by Immanuel Lutheran Church for nearly 30 years. Most important he was a loving husband, father and Grandpa. He leaves his sons, David and Donald Brooks, his granddaughters, Amy, Stefanie and Lindsey LaFrance, his grandsons, Jonathan and Benjamin Brooks, granddaughter Chrissy Daust (Kevin) and granddaughter Alexis LaRowe and a great grandson, Lucas Daust. Borden is also survived by his sister, Ruth Ewen and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Cathy LaFrance Warnquist. A Memorial Service in Celebration of Borden’s life will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 25 Great Hill Road, Oxford on Saturday, November 22 at 11 a.m.

Donations in Borden’s memory can be made to the Great Hill Hose Company, 140 Botsford Road, Seymour or to the Immanuel Lutheran Church endowment fund. To share a memory, please go to www.hullfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted with the Ralph E. Hull Funeral Home, 161 West Church Street, Seymour.