John Thomas Brooks

Brooks, John

Pinckney, MI

His Legacy… John Thomas Brooks, 77, passed away August 4, 2026.  He was born on June 1, 1949, in Adrian, Michigan to James Brooks and Dorothy Jean (Hendryx) Brooks. John married the love of his life Deborah Richmond, on June 24, 1972, in Adrian, Michigan. John graduated from Adrian Catholic Central in 1967, where he played on the football team. He spent his career as a machine shop teacher, a job he genuinely loved. John was the shop teacher for Clawson High School from 1972-1985 and Pinckney High School from 1985-2004. He was beloved by hundreds of students, helped with parade floats for Homecoming, and took students on epic senior trips to the Bahamas and Disney World. John rarely took anything too seriously and was always ready with a joke.  He enjoyed sitting outside at the picnic table listening to music and enjoyed the comings and goings in the neighborhood. John was a dedicated father and very involved in his children’s activities. He was involved in his son Matthew’s sports, from little league, to being the assistant coach for the Hamburg youth football team. John loved riding motorcycles and cooking; he was a great cook. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

His Family… John will be missed by his wife, Deborah Brooks; his children, Matthew (Alison Scott) Brooks, Jessica Brooks, Emily Brooks; siblings, Michael J. (Susan) Brooks, Theresa Emerine; grandchildren, Aiden Dach, Julian Dach, Penelope Brooks, Sebastian Brooks; and “adopted son” John Spilak. He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Dorothy Brooks.

His Farewell… John’s Memorial Gathering will take place on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 12:00PM-1:00PM, with a luncheon following, at American Legion Post 419, 9807 Whitewood Road, Pinckney, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Trinity Health Cancer Care Patient Support Fund. Please leave a message of comfort for John’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.

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