James “JJ” Joseph Brooks, a beloved member of Bristol, Rhode Island, and standout athlete, passed away on Friday, November 7, 2025, at an untimely age of 22, leaving his family and loved ones devastated.
While his family hasn’t yet disclosed the actual cause of JJ Brooks’ untimely death, many of his loved ones are paying tribute to him and recalling his memories on social media.
One wrote:
“We really have no words, we watched these children grow up into beautiful adults. The best hugs, the biggest smiles and so many memories. Our hearts are broken once again. Please keep The Brooks Family in your thoughts & prayers. God bless you JJ rest peacefully little darling.”
Another added:
“JJ may you rest in peace. Thank you for the memories, the laughs, the tears and the adventures 🫶🏽🙏🏽.”
Born on May 12, 2002, in New London, Connecticut, JJ touched the lives of many with his cheerful nature and his exceptional athletic skills.
He began his sports journey from a very young age, excelling in multiple sports.
Furthermore, James Brooks began his athletic career at Mt. Hope High School, where he played both junior varsity and varsity football and varsity lacrosse, leading his team to several victories.
Wearing jersey #32, Brooks played as a defensive midfielder and midfielder for the boys’ varsity lacrosse team and won several honorable titles throughout his tenure at high School.
James ‘JJ’ Joseph Brooks graduated from Mt. Hope High School in 2021 and continued his academic journey, attending Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), studying cybersecurity.
Despite his passing at such a young age, James’ remarkable contribution to the community as an athlete and a kind human being will always be remembered.
The Bristol, RI community has created a GoFundMe page to help JJ’s family ease the financial burden during this difficult time.
JJ Brooks is Survived By His Parents, Anthony Brooks Sr. and Jamie Sousa Brooks, Siblings, and Entire Family
In addition to being an amazing athlete, JJ Brooks was a great son to his parents, Anthony Brooks Sr. and Jamie Sousa Brooks.
While Anthony and Jamie haven’t released any statement regarding the untimely death of their beloved son, as they are grieving the loss, they often share pictures of JJ on social media expressing their love and pride for him.
JJ Brooks never missed a chance to express his love for his parents.
His father, Anthony ‘AJ’ Brooks Sr., is a retired U.S. Navy and security specialist at the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Likewise, JJ’s mother, Jamie Brooks, has been serving as a senior director, adult services at Crystal Springs in Assonet, Massachusetts, since June 2025.
Before that, Jamie served as a health center director at Providence Community Health Centers for over three years, as practice manager at Oak Street Health, and as Director of Elder Services at Child & Family in Rhode Island.
She also served as an executive director of Atria Senior Living for nearly three years and of Benchmark Senior Living for almost a year.
Jamie also served as Administrative Director, Patient Care Experience at Rhode Island Hospital, Director of Training & Development at Amgen, and Director of Education and Training at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital.
In addition to his parents, JJ Brooks is survived by his sister Tiffany Brooks and her partner Eric Booth of Boston, MA, his twin brother, Anthony ‘AJ’ Brooks Jr., grandmothers, Lorraine A. Sousa and Mary A. Brooks, aunts and uncles, Monica and Winston Cobb, Cindy and William Cobb, Greogory Brooks, Karla Brooks, Lamar Brooks, Cousins, Marsalis, Melanie and her husband Mike, Winston and his wife Kayti, Lindsey, Ben and his husband Corbitt, Isadore, Marlowe, Bubby, Gabi and Zack.
His sister, Tiffany, took to her social media to pay tribute to JJ Brooks. The post reads:
“I do not have all the words right now. But what I can say is JJ I LOVE YOU. You will forever be one of my baby bros. Your love, your light, and your mischief will be with all of us for eternity. Our love knows no bounds for you. I will always be your keeper, I promise. Please share any memories you have of JJI want him to feel so loved and celebrated—he deserved it. He celebrated and loved everyone every day of his life—even through his own struggles.”
Tiffany Brooks
Services will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Smith Funeral and Memorial Services, 8 Schoolhouse Road, Warren, RI 02885.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM in St. Anthony of the Desert Church, 300 N. Eastern Ave., Fall River, MA 02723. Burial immediately to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Chestnut Street, Bristol, RI.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in JJ Brooks’ honor to his family to help alleviate funeral expenses.
- Like JJ Brooks, his twin brother AJ Brooks played multiple sports at Mt. Hope High School, excelling in both basketball and football.
