In Our Care
James "JJ" Brooks
12/5/2002 - 11/7/2025
Obituary For James "JJ" Brooks
James “JJ” Joseph Brooks, 22, of Bristol, Rhode Island passed away unexpectedly on Friday, November 7, 2025. Born in New London, Connecticut, he was the son of Anthony William Brooks, Sr and Jamie (Sousa) Brooks.
A 2021 graduate of Mt. Hope High School, he played JV football, varsity lacrosse #32, and participated in the robotics team–even moonlighting as the team’s mascot. A truly intelligent and artistic young man, he was an avid Hamilton and Harry Potter fan. He thrived when it came to creativity and art. Whether he was building a computer, socializing with friends on Discord, or designing tattoos (including his favorite failed lightning bolt) he was resourceful and full of life. JJ was attending Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI) for cyber security while working for Stop & Shop in Bristol.
He loved traveling, going to Boston to spend time with his sister Tiff and her partner Eric, going to New York to spend time with his cousins Lindsey, Ben, and Corbitt, and hanging out with the “Littles”. An adventurer and mischief seeker, JJ had a special bond with his twin AJ and could always make time to listen to others, giving a helping hand while putting a smile on your face.
He will always be remembered for his bright smile, spontaneous personality, kind heart, and beautiful eyelashes.
He is survived by his parents, Anthony Brooks Sr. of Staley, North Carolina and Jamie (Sousa) Brooks of Bristol, RI; sister Tiffany Brooks and partner Eric Booth of Boston, MA; twin brother Anthony Jr. “AJ” and partner Lindsey Dreher of New York; grandmothers, Lorraine A. Sousa of Bristol, RI and Mary A. Brooks of Liberty, North Carolina; aunts and uncles, Monica and Winston Cobb of Swansea, MA, Cindy and William Cobb of Swansea, MA, Gregory Brooks of Greensboro, North Carolina, Karla Brooks of Staley, North Carolina and Lamar Brooks of Durham, North Carolina; cousins, Marsalis, Melanie and her husband Mike, Winston and his wife Kayti, Lindsey, Ben and his husband Corbitt; “the littles” Isadore, Marlowe, Bubby, Gabi and Zack; and JJ’s fur brother, Gronk the Bulldog. He is also survived by many, many friends. He was the grandson of the late James Sousa of Warren, RI and Alfred Brooks of Staley, North Carolina.
Services are with Smith Funeral & Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Road, Warren, RI 02885, where family will receive friends and relatives, Monday, November 17, 2025, from 4-8PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 10AM in St. Anthony of the Desert Church, 300 N Eastern Ave, Fall River, MA 02723. Burial immediately to follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Chestnut Street, Bristol, RI 02809.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in JJ’s honor may be made to the family to help alleviate funeral expenses.
Take care of a friend, a loved one, or yourself. Call, text, or chat with a 988 Lifeline counselor for help during difficult moments anytime, day or night.
For directions or tributes, please visit: www.wjsmithfh.com.
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Condolences
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11/28/2025
Jacquelyn Anfield
Tiffany and family I am so sorry to hear about JJ. I am just hearing about it now and it breaks my heart. I am praying for you all. Jacqui Anfield
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11/25/2025
Kate DeCarvalho
Jamie, my heart breaks with yours. I am so sorry. Sending much love to you, Tiffany, AJ and family and friends. Wishing you all peace. ~Kate, Kas, Nico and Nadia
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11/18/2025
Susie sylvia
I hope you rest in peace. Words cannot explain how sorry I am for the family. He was a funny person, always made me happy and had a smile that lit up any room I had been coached by JJ not in a sport but at life. He was so pleasant. May you be at peace JJ
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11/17/2025
Patty Squatrito and family
To Jaime, Tiffany and family, We were so sorry to hear of the passing of "JJ". Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with all of you during this very difficult time. May the good lord hold you all in the palm of his hands.
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11/17/2025
Melvin Spence
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead. "Spence Family "
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11/15/2025
Melissa Gazerro
Anthony, Jamie, Tiffany & A.J- We are so sad to hear the news is JJ"s passing. We have happy memories of all the kids playing in the neighborhood. We are thinking of all of you t this difficult time. Love, The Gazerro's- Stephen, Melissa, Nicholas & Michael
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11/14/2025
Melissa Gazerro
Anthony, Jamie, Tiffany and AJ- we are thinking of you and send our condolences. With love from Beechwood Hollow- Stephen,Melissa, Nicholas & Michael Gazerro
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11/13/2025
Karen Davis
Oh JJ- how can this be true? When we got the call from your Mom we did not believe it. Although it has been a bit since we were all together- we will cherish every moment we had with you. Your beautiful smile could light up the room! My heart is broken knowing I will never be able to give you another one of my big hugs 💔. Please know we are here for your Mom, Tiff and AJ - and your whole family as they begin the journey of healing. Your Uncle Rob, cousin Gabby and I will miss you and cannot wait until we are all together again some day. Please know we loved you so very much ❤️. Love, Aunt Karen
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11/12/2025
Rev. Ray & Mrs. Gail Emerson
To the family of JJ, We met JJ after his father made a visit to Liberty,NC. He was such an humble, well mannered young man. He joined in to share a photo with his great uncle, Rev. Ray Emerson. This was truly a blessing and gave us great joy to fellowship with them. Thank you Anthony for sharing the boys and this time with us. We are praying for you and your family that God will strengthen you during this difficult time. We love you.
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11/12/2025
Norielis Parra
My deepest condolences to you and your family. 🙏 I'm sending you all our love and prayers, and may God comfort you during this difficult time.
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11/12/2025
Jola & Bob Scassera
Thinking of you with deepest sympathy. Although we didn't know your son personally, our hearts are with you and your family during this time of sorrow.
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11/12/2025
Sandra snd Bill Wunschel
Thinking of you all at this time of terrible loss. Hoping your wonderful memories bring comfort to all of you. Our sincere condolences.
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11/11/2025
jamie brooks
OH MY SWEET BOY. I just keep reading this hoping it's not true but I know you are in heaven with grandpa now and you are at peace. I loved you so much. Worried about you every day and loved saying I love you to you and hearing it back. I miss you so much. I love you JJ always and forever in my heart. 💔
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11/11/2025
Lee Ann Freitas
Thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy to the family.
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11/11/2025
Sister Isabel Borg-Cardona, S.S.D.
Beautiful memories of a wonderful young man who will be sadly missed. Praying for the repose of JJ's soul and for his family whose loss will forever be a painful one. Our prayers will accompany you during these very difficult days and throughout your life. Sr. Isabel Borg-Cardona and all the Sisters of St. Dorothy
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11/11/2025
Maria Ferreira
Rest In Peace sweet child. May God comfort your loved one during this very difficult time
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11/10/2025
Miranda Ortelt
My deepest condolences to the Brooks' family. I had him on my bus for all his sports activities, he was always so nice and his smile was infectious. Truly a sad day, I'm so sorry.
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11/10/2025
Lori Shepard
So sorry for your families loss. Have wonderful memories of JJ& AJ coming over to play with Caleb when they were very little & picking Caleb up from your house. May God wrap all of you 🙏 ❤️ in his loving Arms.
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11/10/2025
Karla
"Those we love can never be more than a thought away, for as long as there's a memory they live in our hearts to stay," -With Eternal Love! Grandma Mary Brooks and Family
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11/10/2025
Mckenzie Davis
I am so very grateful for all the time we spent, all the summer days bike riding and going to McDonald's to do the 100 chicken nugget challenge, the nights where you would walk me home in the dark to make sure I got home safely, all the laughs, all the memories I will cherish forever❤️
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11/10/2025
Maryanne Figueroa
It's never enough to say "I'm sorry for your loss" but I truly am. I was JJs boss from Dunkin and, while mischievous, this man was a true delight to have on shift. He would always make us laugh and the day go by faster. He was a light in a lot of my workers days and just know each and every one of us feels this loss. I am deeply saddened by this news and hope that you find comfort in knowing that you raised a very kind young man. He will be missed. -Mare
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11/10/2025
Mary Beth Lescault
Jaime, I don't know what comforting words I can offer at this time except that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I offer my deepest sympathy for the loss of JJ.
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11/10/2025
Ann C.
I was a co-worker at stop & shop with James. I had many conversations with him as we both worked our registers. He was polite, respectful and soft spoken. I enjoyed our conversations about his tattoos, getting ready for a new car and cooking ribs. James was a hard working quiet young man, who will be missed. Prayers for his family and loved ones. Ann Carreiro
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11/10/2025
Karla
"Those we love can never be more than a thought away, for as long as there's a memory they live in our hearts to stay," -With Eternal Love The Brooks Family
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11/10/2025
Tristan
Seeing JJ grow up and what he became and recalling his younger days, words can't express my thoughts. Deepest condolences to the Family.
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11/10/2025
Coach Nick
A Coach's Memory of JJ As JJ's coach, I had the privilege of watching him grow—not just as a player, but as a person who made our team better in ways that stats could never measure. JJ may not have been the fastest or strongest athlete on the field, but he was, without question, the best teammate we had. He showed me—and reminded all of us—that what matters most is how you treat people. JJ took time with everyone. He lifted spirits, encouraged others, and made sure no one ever felt left out. His heart was bigger than the game, and his presence was a quiet kind of leadership that left a lasting mark. I wish we all had more time with him. More time to laugh, to learn, and to thank him for the way he made us feel like family. JJ was genuine, kind, and unforgettable. I'll carry his example with me always. Rest easy, JJ. You were one of the greats. Coach Nick
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11/10/2025
Tiff
Every moment with you was a blessing and joy, my beautiful JJ. I'll have more to share once I can think straight.
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11/10/2025
Jordan dumkuski
I hope you truly rest in peace. Words cannot describe how much you will be missed, I truly thank you for every beautiful memory we have together wether it was going to all the school plays, taking midnight walks to go get snacks or even putting on the monkey heads and dancing to music. You are truly a legend nobody could ever live up too❤️
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