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Jack Brooks Obituary

Jack Brooks was best known as a Congressman and powerful committee chairman. But for those who knew him personally or professionally throughout the years, Brooks may be more memorable for his talents as a story teller. The stories often had similar themes: They were about people in need, people who asked for help, or individuals whose plight came to the attention of Congressman Brooks. The stories centered on conflicts, debates, and sometimes bitter political fights. Yet, with a twinkle in his eyes, most of Jack Brooks' stories concluded with the same phrase, "he's for me now..." Jack Brooks, the curmudgeon who never relented, was ironically the softhearted man whose passion was to bring people together to help those in need. The life of Congressman Jack Brooks has been one defined by his consistent ability to bring people together in order to build a better life both for the people he represented, and our nation as a whole.
Brooks grew up poor in Beaumont Texas during the worst days of the Great Depression. His mother, Grace, in order to raise three children as a widow, taught people how to cook in their own homes using the then new and innovative electric stoves. His childhood formed the basis of his empathy for all people regardless of their socio-economic status. Too small to be a golf caddy, he taught himself to type in order to land a job as a junior reporter at the Beaumont Enterprise. There he did his best to report on people's lives in his community, using as many proper names as possible. He had understood, being paid by the typed inch, that the editor would not cut people's names.
He first served his nation as a Marine in the Pacific theatre of World War II. He experienced the horror of war in Guadalcanal and Tarawa. He was also one of those marines whose life was likely sparred when Truman brought the war to a close through the use of the atomic bomb. Like many of his generation, he returned home determined to contribute to the growth of his newly emergent super-power nation.
Brooks entered politics with his election to the Texas Legislature, while at the same time attending the University of Texas Law School. There he drafted the legislation that would elevate his beloved Lamar University from a two-year college to a full four-year college. Over the years, Brooks often recounted the story of this, his first legislative achievement. He took pride in the fact that Lamar now serves the community with a growing world-renowned educational reputation.
In just his second term as a U.S. Congressman, having been elected a few years earlier at the age of 29, Jack Brooks made a principled stand against racism through his refusal to sign the infamous 'Southern Manifesto'. A notorious document that sought to prevent racial integration.
After President Kennedy's assassination, Brooks worked with his good friend and fellow Texan, Lyndon Johnson to pass the Great Society programs including, Medicare, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. As a tribute to the hard work and support of his good friend Jack Brooks, President Johnson came to Schlessingers' Nursing Home in Beaumont to deliver the very first Medicare Benefits check.
Always a tough crusader for fairness and good government, Brooks passed legislation that has been invaluable to the development of the United States. Using the knowledge and skills he learned from his mentor, the famous Speaker of the House, Sam Rayburn, Brooks established important regulations regarding oversight in the construction of public buildings, and created a market for computers and software by opening up the Government account to competitive public bidding. He frequently brought the corrupt or wasteful to justice using the light of public scrutiny. One of the more notable examples was when his staff drafted the initial Articles of Impeachment of President Richard M. Nixon in an effort to set a fire under the Special Committee investigating the Watergate matter. President Jimmy Carter thought enough of Brooks that he flew down to dedicate the Jack Brooks Federal Building in downtown Beaumont. Later, Brooks made use of his keen knowledge of the levers of power in Washington and played an instrumental role in passing President Bill Clinton's historic Crime Bill. Brooks never tired of working for the public good.
Cementing his place in the history of the U.S. House of Representatives, upon ascending to the chairmanship of the Judiciary Committee in 1989, Brooks became the first person in history to chair two full committees in succession. Such was the respect commanded by Brooks that for most of his time in Congress he was known simply as 'The Chairman'.
In addition to serving the United States as a whole, Brooks never forgot that he represented the people of Southeast Texas. As an honor to his mentor, Brooks enacted legislation creating the Sam Rayburn Dam and Reservoir, which provides a constant supply of water to his district supporting both population and economic growth. He built the seawall that to this day has protected Galveston from multiple hurricanes, as well as the system of dykes and levees that protected Mid and South Jefferson County from flooding even when larger cities like New Orleans were swamped. Over the years, some have wondered why, upon looking at a map, that Interstate 10 bends so acutely as to run through Beaumont. On that specific point, the record remains quiet. Similarly, some have wondered why, given that NASA launches rockets from Florida and then lands them in California, is NASA's mission control center in Houston Texas, and furthermore, why is it named after Brooks' close friend Lyndon Johnson. 'Houston, no problem here'.
Part of the secret as to why Jack Brooks was so effective as a legislator is that even in the most partisan of times he remained close friends with fellow Democrats and Republicans alike. Brooks stuck to his principles as well as his friends, like Former Speaker and life-long friend Jim Wright. One of Brooks' colleagues, his good friend across the aisle, Bob Dole, was heard to succinctly characterize The Chairman with the following four words: Brooks' word is good. Time and time again he persuaded other members of Congress to accept his point-of-view through reason, facts, and country good sense. Brooks was so good at this that even people who start with an opposing perspective usually come around, allowing Brooks to close many of his famous stories with the refrain, "he's for me now." Today we're all for The Chairman.
Perhaps the most poignant observation about Jack Brooks was voiced by his grandson, when he said that, "most people read history, but Granddaddy lived it."
Congressman Brooks is survived by his wife of 52 years, Charlotte Brooks, sister Marie Manry, daughter and son-in-law Kate and Rod Carroll, their children Matthew and Brooke, daughter Kim Brooks, son and daughter-in-law Jeb and Janice Brooks, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers or other gifts that donations be made to any of the following organizations supported by Chairman Brooks:
The Brooks
Scholarship Fund
Lamar University
Foundation
P.O. Box 11500
Beaumont, TX 77710
The Southeast
Texas Food Bank
3845 S. Martin Luther
King Jr. Parkway
Beaumont, TX 77705
Some Other Place, Inc.
P.O. Box 0843
Beaumont, TX 77704
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, December 9, 2012 at the Montagne Center on the campus of Lamar University under the direction of Levingston Funeral Home in Groves.
A visitation for family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m. until service time.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Dec. 8, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Jack Brooks

Not sure what to say?





December 19, 2012

may God bless Jack's family and give them peace........~

lena booker

December 14, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

December 10, 2012

To the Family and loved ones of Jack Brooks,

My late husband, Paul Bernstein, Mr. Physical Fitness, USA loved Jack like a brother. They were close friends and associates for more than 40 years. They frequently had photos taken together, tried to top each other in story telling, and supported each other politically and professionally. I met Jack 30 years ago, and I know he will be sorely missed.

Sandy Bernstein, BA, MA
Pres. Mr. Physical Fitness, USA, Inc.

Cathy Martin

December 10, 2012

My prayers are with the Brooks family. Jack Brooks was always the first person that came to my mind when I needed help with anything having to do with government,no matter if it was local or whatever. I will never forget how he help my father even though he was no longer dad's representative. I just knew if I got Jack Brooks involved,he would move mountains if that is what he had to do. We have truly lost a great human being!

December 10, 2012

It was a long long time ago that Clark W. Thompson of Galveston introduced my dad & I to Jack Brooks during his retirement after redistricting so Jack Brooks could go on to political victory and remain in Congress to support SE Texas with special mention to our Hurricane & Flood Protection Projects as well as Lamar University. Then, it was Jack Brooks, a WWII Marine & Member of Congress, who came to the aid of this USMC Sgt trying to get enough wall lockers for his squad as the new wall lockers were locked up in a warehouse in Camp Lejuene for safe keeping & not in our barracks in Camp Giger. I also made it home to Texas to be with my family for Christmas 1973 after missing them for three Christmas's in a row as duty was always calling for my MOS due to another phone call to certain persons by The Honorable Jack Brooks = no one had ever heard of Permissive TDY orders before, espescially to my PHR in Texas City, Tx, but the Paris Peace Accords had been signed after the big & long 1972 Easter Offensive & the 1973 War was over in The Middle East so after mission after mission I was worn out and just needed to be home for Christmas with my family and Jack Brooks made it happen because he understood from his WWII & other experiences in his life.

May God comfort his family at this time and May God Bless us with another Jack Brooks some day because not only did he represent SE Texas so very well, he also represented all Americans. Respectfully,

Tarrant B. Boyd II, Romayor, Liberty Co, Texas, USA.

Linda Leger

December 10, 2012

To the Brooks family...Mr. Brooks helped me in October, 1970 to get my husband home from Viet Nam, our 6 month old baby was dying. Red Cross was not helping us. My sister called Mr. Brooks and my husband was home in 3 days. Oh, how grateful we were. Our son did recover with my husband by my side. I never thanked him.... He was a great man and I send my thoughts and prayers to his family.

Thank you Congressman Brooks. RIP

brian bottorff

December 10, 2012

Hugs Ms. Brooks (and kids and grandkids) I had the great pleasure to work in DC two summers for Cong. Brooks. Everything about he and his office was amazing. Thank you Congresman Brooks - -you had great influence on my life.

Joanne Haviland

December 9, 2012

To the Brooks Family, Mr. Brooks was a wonderful southern gentleman, who never forgot where he came from. He walked his walk and talked his talk. They just don't make men like him anymore. May God bless all of you in this sad time, and may Mr. Brooks rest in Peace.

Mike

December 9, 2012

Thank you Mr. Brooks for not giving up on our levy project, you saved hundreds of home in Port Arthur Tex. RIP.

Dale Sheffie.d

December 9, 2012

I found him to always have the courage of his convictions.

December 9, 2012

Dear Charlotte, Kate, Rod, Kim, Jeb and Janice,

Six words immediately came to mind when I thought about my friend. AMERICAN TEXAN CONGRESSMAN MARINE HUSBAND FATHER and we can put the word GREAT in front of all of them. He was one of kind and left a legacy that directly relates to those six words. It was an honor and a privilege to have the relationship that we had.

He reflected great credit upon his country, his state, his Marine Corps, his community, his family, and himself. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless you.

W. L. Pate, Jr.

JoAnn Gilmore

December 9, 2012

I met you many years ago and I found you be a special person. You never met a stranger. To you everyone is somebody. To your family I must say I feel as if I have lost a member of my own family. You are in my prayers! God bless!

December 8, 2012

My condolences to BROOKS family during this time of grief. Mr BROOKS will be missed.

David Frank

December 8, 2012

From the desk of……………David Frank






Dear Family and Friends:

I just wanted to take a moment to offer my sincere condolences on the passing of our dear friend, Jack Brooks.

Below are my views of Mr.Brooks :

1) The Jack Brooks I knew had great courage. He was never afraid to speak out against the status quo and conventional wisdom……..

2) The Jack Brooks I knew had amazing wisdom. He always knew his subject matter - - and could always defend it…..

3) The Jack Brooks I knew had conviction. He always felt strong about his ideas, no matter what anyone else thought.

4) The Jack Brooks I knew had clarity. His message was typically simple, concise and easily understood…..

5) And the Jack Brooks I knew had credibility. He dang sure knew how to walk the walk and talk the talk.

No one had more compromising integrity than Mr. Brooks . He always thought with discipline and honesty. He could sort through flattery, through politics and could always see things as they truly were.

He was a most remarkable man. I always viewed him as incredibly competent, very caring and amazingly confident.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Family.

Anita Savino Fournier

December 8, 2012

My deepest sympathy is extended to Charlotte, and family. Jack was a family friend, and it was because of him that I was encouraged to join the DNC. I have worked in Dem Politics all these years, from age 18 to now, age 70. I speak for the Ralph Savino Family. He was one of the finest men we have ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Anita Savino Fournier

Patricia White

December 8, 2012

My condolences to the family. Congressman Brooks was very dedicated to his constituents in Southeast Texas and benefited greatly. No other representative has come close to representing this area as Congressman Brooks and most likely never will because he was "one of a kind!"

Darlene Gale Lege'

December 8, 2012

Mr. Brooks was a friend to my father and my family in our hour of need. He will be missed.

Marie Manry

December 8, 2012

Jack Brooks said it all, Love Marie

JOHN SPEER

December 8, 2012

OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY. IT WAS AN HONOR TO HAVE KNOWN JACK. WHAT A GREAT AMERICAN!

Cookie Selfridge & family

December 8, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. We are so very sorry.

Patsy Johnson-Curtis

December 8, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Bankston

December 8, 2012

May the God of all comfort and tender mercy be with the Brooks famiy.

The Carter Pratt

December 7, 2012

Our deepest sympathy is offered to the family and close friends of Congressman Brooks. We are truly sorry for your loss and forever grateful for the many lives that he affected during his career. We are especially thankful for his steadfast integrity expressed for the principles he held dearly: equal opportunities and fairness for all. Jesus must have had the Congressman in mind when he made the promise at Luke 23:43. In loving memory of Congressman Jack Brooks! He will always be held in high esteem.

Kirk Rice

December 7, 2012

On behalf of the Groves Police Department, I wish to express our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to the family Congressman Jack Brooks. His dedication to Southeast Texas and all of American was unwavering. Congressman Brooks will be deeply missed, especially for his dedicated service to his constituents over several decades.

Gene Feigelson

December 6, 2012

Our family has such great memories of our beloved Congressman Jack Brooks. I worked in his office in the early Sixties when the phone calls got pretty rough. He ran the office like a Marine Platoon. We learned politics and people skills at his side. We will always cherish the friendship and the kindness from Jack and Charlotte.

Gene Feigelson and Family

December 6, 2012

Isaiah 65:21-25

The Rt. Rev'd Frank Gentsch Jr

December 6, 2012

+May his soul, and the souls of all the faithfully departed, rest in peace, and may light perpetual shine upon them.

Had the honor of knowing the Congressmen back in his early days in Congress. A fine man.

ER

December 6, 2012

Courage. Commitment. Compassion. Fair play and a willingness to help others. RIP, Honorable Jack Brooks. Condolences to family, friends, admirers and all whose lives were enhanced by Cong. Brooks.

December 6, 2012

I met the Congressman while serving with the AF in Legislative Affairs. I travelled extensivley with him and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. A tough guy but I sure liked him and we got along very well. I have many fond memories of our travels and have been telling my friends of these great memories. Truly one of a kind, Mr Chairman, truly one of a kind.

Tim Titus
Colonel USAF(Ret)
Papillion, NE

December 5, 2012

To say that Jack Brooks was a major influence in my life would be an understatement. He selected me to be a Congressional Page in his office in 1958 and later gave me an appointment to West Point in 1960. I will never forget him saying "If you do not do what is right, I will tell your Daddy."
May he rest in peace.

Nicholas M. Nahas
Colonel, US Army, Retired

December 5, 2012

CONGRESSMAN JACK BROOKS....ONE OF A KIND AND FRIEND TO ALL. WHAT A REMARKABLE MAN. THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER JACK BROOKS. WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU, MR. CONGRESSMAN. REST IN PEACE KNOWING THAT YOU WERE TRULY ONE THAT MADE A DIFFERENCE. HEAVEN IS REJOICING!!!

Stephanie Smith-Triche

December 5, 2012

I have fond memories of "Cousin Jack" - he and my mother were cousins and I remember him fondly from my childhood. He was a true gentleman and will be sorely missed.

Donna Buesing

December 5, 2012

I am so sorry for your family's loss. The Congressman was truly a gentleman and a role model for so many from "The District." I will miss him and miss seeing him in the Beaumont area. My best to Jeb, Kate, and Charlotte. Donna Buesing (former staff member)

Billy Gividen

December 5, 2012

December 4, 2012
Marine – Jack Brooks Congress Ret. Colonel – we the Marines of Kentuckiana Det. #729 do thank you for your service to the USA & United States Marine Corps and your fellow Marines during WW II. For your service in Congress with President Kennedy and Nixon. Once a Marine Always a Marine. With Sincere Condolences on the loss of your loved one. Take comfort in knowing that your Marine has taken leave from this life to fulfill the ranks of Heaven's Detachment. Semper Fidelis Billy G. Gividen, Chaplain

December 5, 2012

What a great Man your where for our state of texas , Thank you MAY YOU R.I.P

Betty Russell

December 5, 2012

To The Brooks Family. My name is Betty Russell. My mom is Vivian Turner she and I work for you and Congressman Brook when your family leave in McLean VA. I just want to give our condolences to the family.

December 5, 2012

MAY THE GOD OF HEAVEN BE WITH THE BROOKS FAMILY AT THIS TIME.THE BIBLE TELL US IN ~MATT.5:4~HAPPY ARE THOSE WHO MOURN,SINCE THEY WILL BE COMFORTED.....DM

MB

December 5, 2012

Mr.Brooks will be missed. He worked hard to help his community. God promises in Isaiah 65:17,18 to make things better for his people. Please except my condolences.

Rev don Roberts

December 5, 2012

I remember well when mr brooks and senator Johnson visited our dad, who was active in dem politics inport Arthur. What a guy and what a career. RIP

December 5, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Linda

December 5, 2012

You have my deepest sympathy. May good memories provide solace
for your family during this challenging time; and may God provide
you with the assurance that you will see your loved one again in
Paradise. John 17:3

Brown's

December 5, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Brooks family at this time of grief. Cherish his memories and keep them close to your hearts. May the God who gives peace be with all of you.. Deepset Sympathy

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