John Allen Brooks was born June 18, 1964, in Laramie, Wyoming. He was the firstborn son of Allen and Erma Lu (Kafka) Brooks. Two years later, his childhood partner-in-crime and brother, Justin, joined the family. His “pesky little sister,” Heather, completed the family the year John turned six.

John’s childhood was filled with time spent visiting extended family and making trips to the ranch to see grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. It was during those years that he developed his lifelong love of the outdoors, especially hunting, hiking, and fishing.

John was part of the first graduating class of Calvary Christian Academy in Douglas, Wyoming, in 1982. In true John fashion, he could proudly say that he graduated second in his class...of two.

Shortly after graduation, the Brooks family relocated to Denver, Colorado, for his father’s work. John attended Hyles-Anderson College in Lake County, Indiana, for one semester before returning to Denver, where he worked in retail.

John later joined the United States Air Force and served in Germany from 1985 to 1989. During his time overseas, he experienced two profound losses when both his grandmother and his mother passed away. Being so far from home made those losses especially difficult.

Following his discharge from the Air Force, John returned to Denver.

John had a passion for fast cars and loved his music. One of his greatest prides and joys was his 1967 Chevy Camaro, which he had painted charcoal gray. His favorite musician was Ozzy Osbourne, and over the years John accumulated a massive collection of CDs. It seems only fitting that one of his favorite jobs was working as a DJ for a small radio station in the Kalispell/Whitefish, Montana, area.

In 2002, John welcomed his son, Jeremiah, affectionately known as “Miah.” Shortly after Miah was born, John joined the United States Army. He served from 2002 to 2004, including during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

During his deployment, John formed a close friendship with his local translator. On his days off, the two spent time together, and through that friendship John was welcomed into parts of local life that few of his fellow soldiers had the opportunity to experience.

He was shown ancient artifacts and historical sites, including objects he later told his family were eventually placed in museums. John chose not to share many specifics about what he had seen or where, but he spoke of the experience as something that deeply affected him.

Many of the cultures, places, and traditions he encountered connected with stories and histories he recognized from the Bible and the Qur’an. Seeing this history with his own eyes led John to question and reconsider some of what he had previously been taught about ancient history and events described in sacred texts. Rather than quieting his curiosity, these experiences deepened it and encouraged him to explore history, religion, and ancient cultures from a broader perspective.

John also told his family that, over time, local people came to know and trust him. They regarded him as an ally and extended their protection to him, allowing him to travel through parts of the region without being bothered. The friendships he formed and the experiences he was given stayed with him long after his military service.

John’s service also came with a cost. Like many who have served in war, he returned home carrying experiences that were difficult for others to fully understand. His body, too, bore the physical effects of his service.

Throughout his life, John worked in many different fields, including retail, residential cable installation, refrigeration assembly, wind turbine maintenance, customer service, and helping families find home-care placement for elderly loved ones.

John remained a lifelong learner. His experiences overseas had sparked an even deeper interest in ancient cultures, history, religion, and sacred texts. He continued studying these subjects throughout his life and, in recent years, had come close to completing his bachelor’s degree.

In February, John was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer. He was determined to beat it and faced his treatments bravely. It was an uphill battle, but John continued to meet it with determination.

Then, in June, he suffered another tremendous loss when his father passed away.

John is survived by his loving wife, Shana “Dee” Moore; his son, Jeremiah Brooks; his brother, Justin (Jamie) Brooks; his sister, Heather (Rod) Wall; his niece, Christianna Wall; his maternal aunt, Jean Hanks; and many cousins whom he considered more like brothers and sisters, along with the many friends whose lives he touched.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and the mother of his son, Jeremiah.

John will be deeply missed.

He was a charmer and a weaver of stories. He had a heart of gold and would give someone the shirt off his back, even if it was the last shirt he had.

He was curious about the world, interested in its stories and mysteries, and willing to look beyond what he had been told to discover and understand things for himself.

Perhaps most of all, John lived life to the beat of his own drum. He was unmistakably himself.

We will miss his stories, his humor, his music, his curiosity, his generous heart, and the particular way he moved through this world.

Rest in peace, John, until we meet again.

Remember

Many years ago, John wrote the following poem. His family shares his words now in his memory, allowing John, in a sense, to have the final word.

When I pass from this place,

don’t forget the smile I had upon my face.

Remember the fun that we had,

and forget the times I was sad.

Please remember my charm and style,

and the fun we enjoyed for awhile.

You know I’ve lived and loved,

and asked for help from above.

Remember the flowers that I bring,

and in Heav’n I’ll be with my wings.

My heart wasn’t that big,

and I could never dance the jig.

Here’s to all my wonderful friends,

I know where we’ll meet in the end.

So look for me by the pearly gate,

and for you all I will wait.

I love you all so very much,

so grim and bear it and be tough.

’Cause I’ll be watchin’ from up on high,

so keep you face turned toward the sky.

I may be gone but I’m not far,

and in your memories forever more.

So remember the good and not the bad,

keep on smilin’ and don’t be sad.

I’ll be in your dreams at night,

and on your mind come mornin’ light.

It’s time for me, so I must go,

goodbye my friends I love you so.

Written by:

John A. Brooks

June 9, 1988