DODGE CITY – Jimmie Lee Brooks, 75, passed away Monday, October 17, 2022, at Brookdale Senior Living in McPherson with his family by his bedside.

He was born April 23, 1947, in Oakland, California, the son of Louie Milton and Francis (Hemphill) Brooks. He served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War attaining the rank of Sergeant.

He was a Kansas Highway Patrolman for 31 years in Cimarron, Kansas before retiring on December 25, 2010. After overcoming a severe bacterial infection that took both of his legs, Jim was determined to live and not let that stop him from enjoying life. Jim started coaching several teams from the Gray County Recreation Basketball Program, and he also coached for the MAYB Basketball Program. Jim enjoyed coaching and inspired several young athletes to not let adversity stop you from reaching your goals. When Jim was not coaching basketball, he was teaching the Hunter Safety Program giving guidance to many young hunters. He was a member of the VFW, NRA, and Ft. Larned Arms Association.

On October 25, 2003, he found his soul mate and married Debbie Fertig at Larned, Kansas. They shared many happy years together. Jim and Debbie lived in Larned for 21 years before moving to McPherson, Kansas.

Other Survivors include: 2 sons, Todd Brooks (Jill) from Deatsville, Alabama and Daniel Fertig (Paula) from McPherson; a daughter, Mandi Brooks Chaplin (Rob) from Omaha, Nebraska; 2 brothers, Mike Brooks and Jerry Brooks; a sister, Glenda Brooks; 7 grandchildren, Jordan, Mason, Ellery, Bella, Bryson, Bryntlie, and TJ; 2 great grandchildren, Hasten and Dawson; many nieces and nephews, and his Kansas Highway Patrol Family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Travis Brooks, a sister, Anna Louise Brooks Daugherty, and a brother, William Brooks.

Funeral Services will be at 1:55 pm Thursday, November 10, 2022, at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City, with Jeff Hiers officiating. Burial will follow in Greencrest Memorial Gardens with honors by the Kansas Highway Patrol and military honors by the United States Air Force and American Legion District 8. Visitation will be Wednesday November 9, 2022, from noon to 8:00 pm with the family present from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Ziegler Funeral Chapel.

The family suggests memorials to the Kansas State Trooper Association, Wounded Warrior Project, or the Gray County Fair Board all in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14 ^th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.