James William "Buzz" Brooks, Jr., 64, of Keokuk, passed away on Friday, December 4, 2020, at Unity Point Health in Keokuk. 

Buzz was born on January 3, 1956, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of James William and Norma (Hewitt) Brooks. In 1974, he graduated from Keokuk High School, and on May 23, 1975, he was united in marriage to Connie Blick in Keokuk.  Buzz went on to work at Griffin Wheel for thirty-six years, retiring as a supervisor in 2018. Buzz coached many different sports at Keokuk, Warsaw, and Central Lee, and received an honorable mention for the High School Prep All American Football Team. He attended many coaching clinics throughout the years, earning him many certificates. In his free time, he enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and was an avid reader.

Buzz is survived by his wife Connie Brooks of Keokuk; three sons: James William (Melissa) Brooks, III, of Memphis, Tennessee, Tim (Vicky) Brooks of Pittston, Pennsylvania, and Mike Brooks of Keokuk; his brother Randy (Joan) Brooks of Omaha, Nebraska; two sisters: Lynn (Robert) Morgan and Lori Brackelsberg, both of Keokuk; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Buzz is predeceased by his parents, his brothers Thomas and Raymond Brooks, and his nephew Jeremy Brooks.

Buzz’s life will be celebrated with a funeral service at 10 am on Friday, December 11, 2020, at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Keokuk. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at the church. Due to Covid-19, masks and social distancing will be required, and visitation is limited to fifteen people in the building at a time due to state regulations.

Memorials may be directed to Pilgrim Rest Church or the Keokuk High School Athletic Department.

Tributes and condolences may be left at www.dejongsfuneralhome.com.

DeJong-Greaves-Printy Funeral Home in Keokuk is in charge of arrangements.