Jim Bob Brookshire

Jim Bob "J. B." Brookshire Jim Bob "J. B." Brookshire, age 65, of Bartlett, Texas, died Thursday, December 14, 2006, at his home surrounded by his family, after a lengthy, but courageous battle with cancer. He approached his illness with dignity and grace. Jim is survived by his wife, Carla Brookshire of Bartlett, Texas; Son, Josh Brookshire of Thorndale, Texas; Daughter, Laura Moore of Liberty Hill, Texas, and step-children, Jennifer Bayless of Austin, Texas; Kelly Ridge of Haufman, Texas, and Josh Bayless of Fairfield, Texas, as well as eight grandchildren and his Long time friend and "Executive Secretary" for so many years, Patty Taylor. Jim was born on June 13, 1941 in Taylor, Texas to James and Ruth (Watson) Brookshire. In 1963, he received his Bachelors Degree from Texas Tech University, and went on to earn a Doctor of Jurisprudence from The University of Texas at Austin in 1966. Following law school, Jim entered the United States Marine Corps, and served on the Judge Advocate General's staff in Vietnam 1968-1969. Following his tour of duty in Vietnam, he was employed with the Williamson County Attorney's office as a prosecutor, followed by 10 years with the Federal Trade Commission in Dallas. In 1979, Jim decided to return to the central Texas area, and settled in Georgetown, Texas, where he established a private practice. He was a member of the State Bar of Texas, the Williamson County Bar Association, and the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. For the next 27 years, he practiced criminal and family law, wherein he was involved in several high-profile criminal cases, some of which gained national attention. He was a trial lawyer who wasn't afraid to go into a courtroom, and relished the challenge of the fight. He was an honorable litigator, well respected by his colleagues, and was a mentor to many. Next to injustice, Jim hated losing. He defended his clients by being well-prepared and compassionate, and honest. He loved the practice of law, though periodically he would say, "I hate this damn job." The family would like to thank the following people for their support during the past years: Dr. Stephen Curley and his staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston; Dr. Jerry Fain and his staff at Southwest Regional Cancer Center; and a special thank you to Karen Thomas who was always there to help us when we needed her. When Jim was diagnosed 6 years ago, we did not think he would make it this far, and for all your special efforts, we are grateful for the extra time we had together. Arrangements are being handled by The Gabriels Funeral Chapel, 393 North IH 35, Georgetown, Texas, where the family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m Sunday, December 17, 2006. Funeral service will be at The Gabriels Funeral Chapel at 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 18, 2006, Rev. Dr. John Alsup officiating. Interment will be at Granger City Cemetery in Granger, Texas following the service. Pallbearers will be Honorable Burt Carnes, Honorable Don Higginbotham, John R. Duer, Wayne Porter, Vincent "Hap" Taylor, Mike Davis, Ken McConchie, and Jeff Hayes. The family has asked that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude's Hospital, or the SPCA. (He loved his cats.) Jim, thank you for taking all of us on this incredible journey with you.