JAMES RAY BROOKS, SR., 88, of Genoa, W.Va., passed away peacefully on February 25, 2024, surrounded by his children. Born on May 30, 1935, to the late Ollie and Betty McCoy Brooks, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Martha Brooks; sisters, Ada Faye Cook (Paul), Anna Pearl Johnson (Robert), Milford Marie Epling (Emil); and brothers, Ollie Brooks, Jr. (Ruth), Earl Thomas McCoy (Carrie), Homer Glenn McCoy (Nancy), and Eugene Morgan Brooks.

He will be lovingly remembered by his family: sons, James Ray, Jr. (Sharon) of Blue Ridge, Ga., Jimmie Lee of Wayne, Randy Allen (Rosemary) of Cumming, Ga., Toney Russell (Sheri) of Sevierville, Tenn., Limmie Robert (Misty Simms) of Lavalette, W.Va.; daughters, Camma Myers (Scott) of Richmond, Va., Candace Furry (Scott) of York, S.C.; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was a devoted father, known for his kind heart, gentle spirit, and unwavering love for his family. He retired from Wayne County School Bus Transportation after 34 years of service. He had a passion for bluegrass music, spending countless hours strumming his guitar. His melodies will forever echo in the hearts of those who loved him. He found joy in tending to his garden. His garden was a source of pride and a place where he could connect with nature and find peace. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but his legacy of love, kindness, and passion for life will continue to inspire all who knew him. May he rest in peace, forever strumming his guitar in the heavens above.

Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Johnson Tiller Funeral Home, Wayne, W.Va. The funeral service will take place at 12 p.m. noon on Friday, March 1, 2024, with Elder Roger Maynard officiating.  Burial will follow at Community Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House, 3100 Staunton Road, Huntington, WV 25702, or online at www.hospiceofhuntington.org.