James Clayton Brooks

James Clayton Brooks of Santa Ana, CA, died Friday, June 29, 2012, after a courageous battle with ALS/Lou Gehrig's disease. He died peacefully, at home, surrounded by his wife and children. He was born in Maywood, CA, May 14, 1944, the youngest son of Martin and Dorothy Brooks. He grew up in Bell Gardens, CA and graduated from Bell Gardens High School where he was valedictorian, senior class president, and captain of the football, wrestling and track teams. He attended Brigham Young University, served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) in the Gulf States, fell in love with and married Michele Leonis of Downey, CA, and graduated in 1968 with a degree in chemical engineering. After an early career with Fluor Chemical and Occidental Petroleum, he obtained an MBA from the University of Southern California and established his own international business insuring securities. He was a beloved and dedicated local leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving three terms as bishop of congregations in Cypress, Tustin, and Santa Ana, as well as in the presidency of the Orange California Stake (diocese). He mentored countless young men through his church commitments and service to the Boy Scouts of America. In 2011, he received a lifetime achievement award in honor of more than thirty years' service to scouting. Jim also served as a community planning and development oversight advocate. His "Brooks Alternative" design determined the route of the 261 toll road, and he helped create citizens' oversight committees for highway construction funding through Measure M.Jim was an avid skier whose ambitious international adventures--including skiing resorts in six different states in six days and another trip skiing six continents in twelve days--were featured in Skiing magazine.He is survived by his wife, Michele; his daughters Joanna, MaryBeth, and Melissa, and his son John and their spouses David, Steve, Chris and Laurie; his grandchildren Clayton, Ella, Lola, Ezra, Joey, Rosa, Jack, Dax, Shay, Evan, and Eli; and his brothers Paul and Norman Brooks. The family extends heartfelt thanks to all who helped and supported Jim and Michele during Jim's ilness.A viewing will be held at Saddleback Chapel Mortuary in Tustin on Friday, July 6, 6-8 pm, and funeral services on Saturday, July 7, 11 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 674 S. Yorba, Orange, CA, with interment to follow at Fairhaven Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Perpetual Education Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Funeral Information Viewing at Saddleback Chapel on Friday, July 6 from 6-8 pm Funeral services at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 674 S. Yorba, Orange, CA on Saturday, July 7 at 11 am. Interment at Fairhaven Memorial Park

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