Garnett R. Brooks

Garnett Ryland "Jack" Brooks, Jr passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, July 8 at the age of 88.
Jack grew up in Mechanicsville, VA, predeceased by his parents Garnett Ryland and Dorothy Dew Brooks, Sr. where he graduated from Washington Henry High School at the age of 16. Jack attended the University of Richmond where he obtained his BS and MS degrees, he then completed his PhD at the age of 25 from the University of Florida.
Upon graduation, Jack was hired by the College of William and Mary where he spent his entire academic career. He spent three decades encouraging and engaging with his students, mentoring graduate students while developing life-long relationships.
During his teaching days, he developed a deep love of travel. It began with extended research trips to the West Indies. With his main focus being lizards, during this time he became the world's leading expert on a green tree lizard, genus Anolis. Later in his career he discovered a new interest when he traveled to Australia. He was so enamored, it led him to create a class on the Natural History of Australia which included a 6-week excursion down under. He thrived sharing his knowledge and insight, the class always full.
As a result of an early retirement program offered by the state of Virginia to state employees, he was able to retire at the age of 55. He then began the next chapter when he met the love of his life, his wife In. Along with sharing his love of travel with In, he also found a new passion in photography. His fondness of photography led him to build his own in-room darkroom with all the latest equipment. He enjoyed participating in photo contests and gallery showings, winning numerous regional awards for his work. He and In, were able to travel extensively. Jack felt privileged to have visited all 50 states and 55 countries. He also later rediscovered his love of golf and did not miss a chance to brag about shooting a 79 at the age of 80.
He is survived by his loving wife, In Brooks of Williamsburg, VA; his daughter Melissa (Kerry) Harrison of Bristol, VA; his brother Joe (Maggie) Brooks of Richmond, VA; and his cousin Nancy Thomas of Williamsburg, VA. He is also survived by his nephew Carter Brooks of Richmond, VA, and his great-nieces Virginia Brooks of New York, NY and Sadie Brooks of Richmond, VA.
Jack was a kind and generous man who will be missed by all that knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Bucktrout of Williamsburg on July 25, 2025 at 2:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the James City County Fire Department. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Garnett R. Brooks, please visit our floral store.