Jay Louis Brooks

Jay Louis Brooks was born September 4, 1937 to Jay Hugh and Mildred Brooks in Kannapolis, NC.  After living in the Mill villages of Cannon Mills in early childhood, the family, along with his sister, Mitzi,  moved to Unionville, NC.  During these years, Jay developed the love of basketball and other sports. Moving to Monroe, NC, Jay graduated from Walter Bickett High School in 1956.  The same year he married the love of his life, Jane Hadley.

Jay went to vocational school and graduated with the skill of turkey sexing.  He traveled for years and then bought a farm in Pageland SC and began to raise turkeys.  Here Jay farmed with his wife and three sons until 1989.  Raising over a million turkeys a year, Brooks primarily  farmed for Cuddy Farms and Campbell Soup. Jay was known for his coastal bermuda grass and the hay that he provided for hundreds of farmers in the area.  His special fertilizer from the turkey barns was the key.

In 1989, Jay and Jane moved to Swansboro NC where Jay began charter fishing and commercial fishing for the rest of his working life.  Most of his work was done with Captain Nancy Fishing Charters. His late in life passion for the ocean was shared with many.

Jay was an avid fisherman, hunter, and sport enthusiast especially UNC Tar Heel sports.  He loved spending time with his boys and their activities.  He never missed a single game that his boys played in high school and was a part of the Central High "chain gang" on the sidelines for over a decade.  Jay was a kind and gentle man that helped everyone he could.  Known as Brother, Bud, JayBird, Captain Jay, and Papa Jay, all were special names for  him.  His favorite title was Dad.  

Jay is survived by his wife Jane of 67 years.  They had 3 sons, Jay Louis Brooks, Jr., John Ashley Brooks, and Jason Hadley Brooks. (Lisa).  He had 5 grandchildren, Justin, Jinna, Jessica, Jack and David.  2 great grandchildren, Madison, and Mason. He had 2 special dogs in Sally and Blue. He is, also, survived by dozens of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jay died April 29, 2023 after fighting lung issues for years. Services will be held later as his wishes were to share not only life with Jane, but they agreed to have their final services together.

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