James Brooks Lynch, Sr., 63, a devout family man and friend loved by all he came in contact with, passed away Saturday, December 31, 2016, at Redmond Regional Medical Center in Rome, Georgia.

Brooks was born April 16, 1953, in Memphis, Tennessee. His family lived in Marks, Mississippi at the time, and shortly after his birth moved to Rolling Fork, Mississippi, where he would call home for much of his early life. It is there where he met many lifelong friends.  He had a playful spirit growing up and was the child who always had a smile on his face. He attended Rolling Fork High School where he was an active student as member of the Football Team, Vice President of the Jr. Class, chosen as Most Versatile, Most Athletic and Most Handsome. He was a 1971 graduate of Sharkey Issaquena Academy where he was active as well, serving as Student Council President, selected as Senior Class Favorite and was a member of the football, basketball, baseball and track teams.

Following his graduation, he attended Ole Miss where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity participating in numerous philanthropy events and continuing to build relationships with many lifelong friends. He graduated with a Bachelor’s of Business Administration Degree in 1975 and shortly after college began a lifelong career in insurance.

After brief stays in Belzoni, Greenwood and Jackson, his career in insurance took he and his family to Carthage, Mississippi where he built many lasting friendships that he would always have.  While living in Carthage, Brooks attended First Baptist Church Carthage, serving as an ordained Deacon and youth Sunday School Teacher.  He enjoyed playing tennis, golfing and being a family man while living there.  Most recently, Brooks settled in Ringgold, Georgia, to again help build a successful insurance business.

Brooks was always the one to tell a funny story and while it was rare for him to find a place where he didn’t have many friends, he was quick to make a new one should the situation arise. His heart was bigger than imaginable and would be there for anyone in need. His stories were told like none other and they never ended without a laugh. He will be remembered as a truly joyful person that was loved by all who came in contact with him.

He loved his family first and foremost and was devoted to being a great father. The love he shared made everyone who knew him appreciate a friend like him. He was dedicated to helping others succeed. He dedicated his time to assisting his youngest son prepare to follow in his educational footsteps every night with an SAT question of the day. He enjoyed nightly reading from the family Bible, cooking, politics, going to the movies, working and watching or attending any sporting events, but especially Ole Miss Sports.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Creed Robinson Lynch; father, Robert Henry Furr Lynch; and brother, Robert Henry Furr Lynch, Jr.

He is survived by his three sons, Robert Henry Furr Lynch, III, James Brooks Lynch, Jr. (Jessica), and Preston Akin Lynch; step-daughter, Alexandria Lee Taylor (Ryan); his wife, Susan Akin Lynch; brother, Marshall David Lynch; sister, Chris Lynch Uzzle; and grandchildren, Eleanora Creed Lynch, Gavin Edward Clifford, and Addison Jet Clifford. He also leaves behind former spouse and mother of Rob and Jay, Elizabeth Jones Lynch and nieces and nephews, Larry Wade, Todd Wade, Thomas Uzzle, David Lynch and Haley Ladner and six great nephews and one great niece.

Brooks was an intelligent and dedicated man who gave himself wholeheartedly and will be remembered as a true friend. His spirit will continue to be with everyone who knew him, and they will continue to share the stories that made him loveable, enduring and a joy to be around. He lived his life in a big way with genuine love and compassion as a brother, father, husband, grandfather, uncle and friend.

A memorial service will be held at Wilcox Funeral Home in Carthage, Mississippi on Saturday, Jan. 14, at 11 a.m., with Brother Dan Gilchrist officiating. Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Burial will be later held at a private family service.