It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of James Norman Brooks on June 26, 2026 at the age of 75, born on June 24, 1951 in Denton, Texas. He was the third child of Robert Lee and Mary Lyle Brooks. He grew up in Ponder, Texas where he was living at the time of his death. He is preceded in death by his parents & sister Marilou Kintner.

Not long after graduating high school in 1969, James ventured to Southern California to begin his career as a Quarter Horse jockey. By the mid 70’s he was one of the leading riders at Los Alamitos and Bay Meadows. He rode successfully in California well through the 90’s scoring over 900 wins in California alone. Many of those wins were major stakes races. In 1999 he moved his tack back to Texas where he went on to earn 3 leading rider titles at Lone Star Park and a leading rider title at Sam Houston Race Park through the early 2000’s.

He is survived by his wife, Laura, of Ponder, sons; Curtis Blane Brooks in San Diego, California, Jarred Ray Brooks in Fort Worth, Texas, and twins Aaron Joseph and Taylor Anthony Brooks in Huntington Beach, California and older brother Robert Lee Brooks, Jr. & wife Glenda of Ponder as well as many nieces, nephews & cousins.

Visitation will be held at Denton County Cowboy Church Tuesday June 30th @ 10:00 am & memorial service following at 11:00.