Josh was born Jan. 19, 1981, in Newport to Larry and Rebecca Brooks. He lived a life dedicated to education and sharing his knowledge and skills with others.

From a very young age, Josh was an insatiable, independent learner who was self-motivated and determined to change the world.

He believed in the power of hard work and helping others – characteristics that remained with him throughout his life, enabling him to affect the well-being of others through his research and by preparing others to enter the medical field.

Josh grew up in Weiner. With the help of his great-grandma, Fern, Josh's love for learning began at a very young age.

He attended Weiner High School and graduated in 1999. Josh knew his skills and abilities were destined to make an impact.

He began his passion for higher education at Lyon College where he earned his undergraduate degree in mathematics and history.

He found his true love for science when he joined the chemical and physical biology program at Vanderbilt University. He graduated with his doctoral degree in pharmacology from Vanderbilt in 2009.

He then moved to the University of California San Diego as a post-doctorate fellow in pharmacology and biochemistry.

After more than a decade dedicated to his own education and research, he found his passion for medical education and wanted to help others achieve their goals.

He began his 16-year career with Kaplan in 2004. Named Kaplan National Teacher of the Year in 2012, Josh built his career on helping future professionals learn the skills they needed to pursue their medical aspirations.

Josh prided himself on adapting the educational landscape to the needs of his students. His online teaching abilities helped students from all over the world achieve their potential no matter their circumstances.

Everywhere he traveled, he'd find former students.

One story he told with great pride was when he visited El Salvador. Surprised, he heard someone calling his name. His former student explained that thanks to his teaching through an online preparatory course, he helped him and his wife match to a medical school.

His proudest moments were ingrained in helping others achieve their goals.

As an instructor in biochemistry and pharmacology as well as associate director of pre-clinical academics, Josh helped thousands of students prepare, plan and study to sit for licensure exams including the COMLEX and USMLE exams.

Many medical professionals attribute a portion of their success to Josh's mentorship through the beginning stages of their educational journey.

Josh authored more than 20 books and articles on biochemistry and pharmacology research.

Beyond all of his academic work and professional accolades, Josh never forgot his roots in his small town. When visiting his family, he often volunteered his time at the local elementary school.

No matter a person's age or stage of life, you could always find Josh offering his advice and help.

Josh lived a life full of adventure, traveling all over the world for work and pleasure. Along the way, stopping in every state to buy lottery tickets and find the best food available.

Josh was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ernest and Mary Brooks, maternal great-grandmother, Fern Scott, and uncle, Dewayne Brooks.

He is survived by his parents, Larry and Rebecca Brooks, brothers, Alex and Michael, grandparents, Frank and Lucille Foster, great-aunt Lela Reid, uncle, David Brooks (Trish) and aunt, Debra Jordan, all of Weiner; two cousins, Dr. Michelle Jordan (Danny) of Philadelphia, Pa., and Mallory Black (Jase) of Jonesboro; along with a large number of close friends, mentors and family members.

A graveside service will be 1 p.m. Monday at Oak Grove Cemetery in Weiner under the direction of Gregg-Langford Bookout Funeral Home.

Online registry: www.greggfh.com

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

Published by Jonesboro Sun on Nov. 24, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Joshua Brooks

Sponsored by Gregg-Langford Bookout Funeral Home.

14 Entries

Ahmed Khamas

June 19, 2025

I just started my USMLE journey, and today I saw the 2nd lecture of Dr. Josh and was amazed by his way of teaching and decided to look him up over LinkedIn the googled him up to see if there is a way to get connected with him, but I was shocked to know that he passed away back in 2021. We are the same age and I have also have a passion for teaching medical students! This is life, may your soul rest in peace, Amen!

Konrad

March 29, 2022

Dr Brooks was my mentor and friend. Helped guide me at work and through life. I will always miss him.

Dorothy, Dane, Darcie & Gionni Simpson

December 17, 2021

Sending you all lots of love and prayers during these hard times. We may be a state away but we´re always thinking of our family in Weiner.

Nida

December 15, 2021

It was shocking to hear of his passing. I remember Dr. Brooks fondly for making biochem a breeze for me when I was struggling with it. My condolences to his family and friends, he will be missed :`(

Cherub Dekumwine

December 14, 2021

Oh no! I loved his approach to pharmacology. Thank you kind sire..you really made a HUGE impact in my life. God bless all the works that your hands have made. Your grateful student (Kaplan 2021)

Monica

December 14, 2021

Having known Dr. Brooks only briefly in a class setting, I can say that he was always incredibly passionate about the work he invested himself in, and in teaching. He was full of life and enthusiasm, and extended that energy to everyone. It was a contagion of empowerment just to be around him. Thank you Dr. Brooks, for bringing that positive spark into the world. Rest peacefully. My deepest prayers and most sincere condolences to his loved ones. The world has lost a true gem. He will be missed.

De Sonia M

December 14, 2021

Dr Brooks made Biochemistry easy to understand along with laughs, sarcasm and great sense of humor we spent quite of bit of time (6:00 am for me in California) studying and learning from his vast array of knowledge!! He will be greatly missed, our prayers and hearts go out to his family and friends for such a great loss for this world!!

Dr. Akash Pradhan

December 13, 2021

Dr. Joshua Brooks was my Biochemistry teacher in a Kaplan course. I remember him as a wonderful teacher, capable of simplifying what he taught to crystal clarity. He was passionate about teaching. He was one of the teachers who would teach you how to learn, not just what to learn. He's one of the reasons I feel passionate about teaching in the future. In so many ways he has inspired me to become better. I didn't get the chance to know him personally, but he has still added value to my life through his teaching. For that I'll always be grateful to him. I offer my prayers and condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti.

Dr Posadas

December 13, 2021

I'm so sorry to hear this news, Dr. Brooks was my teacher at Kaplan online program, it was a great person and I had the most amazing time during his lectures, he made the class so much fun! He will truly be missed.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dr Honey

December 13, 2021

I´m very sorry to hear such sad news. Dr Brooks was an amazing professor whom I had the pleasure of learning from via an online Kaplan course. He was hands down the most passionate and energetic teacher I´d ever witnessed! He really made learning memorable, funny and always had a fun side story to share during lecture. I truly pray his family is given peace while grieving the loss of a man who instilled confidence into many doctors and students furthering their training. I remember enjoying my nightly lectures immensely and can still hear his humor and laugh mixed in with his lessons. Dr Brooks was a gem of a teacher! My prayers are with your family.

Heather Kenney

December 8, 2021

I´m so sorry to hear of Josh´s passing. He was such an inspiration to so many people, and helped so many people reach their goals. The world needs more people like Josh, and he is gone far too soon.

Konrad Gut

December 8, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person, a colleague, a mentor, and friend. Will love you and miss you always.

Michelle and Pawel

November 29, 2021

We will miss your laughs, sarcasms, delicious cooking, and our game nights. We miss you. Our deepest sympathy to the entire family. Rest In Peace Joshua.