LAKELAND, FL-James M. Brooks (formerly of Winter Haven), went home to be with his Heavenly Father Thursday, May 27, 2010 due to cancer, at the age of 72. 

  He was born in Elba, Alabama October 24, 1937, son of QP and Mattie Lou (Hataway) Brooks.  He served in the US Army during the Korean Conflict.  James moved to the area from Georgia over 50 years ago and worked as an aluminum installer up until age 69.  He was a member of Ridgepoint Church in Winter Haven. James was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Evelyn. 

  He is survived by his daughter Misty Gatlin and her husband Gerald of Lakeland, his son:  Dale Brooks of Winter Haven; his sister:  Jane Spring of Orlando, his brother: Junior Knighten of Alabama, and his mother Mattie Lou Brooks of Orlando.  James also has five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. 

  Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 to 7 PM at Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven.  Funeral services will be Wednesday, 10:00 AM from the funeral home chapel.  Interment will follow at Lakeside Memorial Park. 

  Condolences to the family can be sent to:  www.oakridgefuneralcare.com.