AUGUSTA — John W. Brooks Jr., 73, passed away peacefully at the Maine Veterans Home in Augusta on Monday April 30, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 10, 1938 in Bath, ME the son of the late John W. and Alberta Mclellen Brooks. He grew up in Bath and attended local schools. After school he went on to join the Army National Guard and served from 1956-1961, after his time in the National Guard he enlisted in the Air Force where he served from 1961 until his discharge in 1965.

He was a Master Chef and after his time in the service he returned to Maine and began his career in the kitchen of many restaurants in the Bath and Brunswick area until retiring in 2002. He was always keeping himself busy and was involved in many things including the Elks Lodge, American Legion. VFW and the Masons. He also spent his time volunteering at the YMCA in Bath and also spent many years cooking on Hermit Island.

When he wasn’t in the kitchen pursuing his passion of cooking he could be found tending his vegetable garden so that he would have access to the freshest ingredients for his many dishes. He enjoyed being outdoors and especially enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is predeceased by a sister Patricia Alexander.

Survivors include his children Allan Grover of Augusta, ME, Wendy Ladd of

Bath, ME, Jackie

McDaniels of California, MO, Charles

Brooks of Boothbay,

ME, Keith Brooks of

Non Pen, Cambodia,

Michele Brooks of

Alna, ME, Susan

McGill of Portland,

OR, Brother George

Brooks of Georgia. Grandchildren Kenny Ladd, Jessica Russell, Amanda Russell, Heather Russell, Nicole Brooks, Justin Brooks, Kevin Brooks, Alison Brooks, Alexandria Brooks, Kellie Brooks, Kateleen Trask, Riley Trask, Austin Trask, Katie Brooks and 9 Great Grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at the Riverside Cemetery in Woolwich, ME on Saturday May 5, 2012 at 2pm in the afternoon. Should friends desire Memorial Donations may be made in John’s memory to the charity of one’s choice. You are invited to share your condolences, memories, and photographs with the family by visiting their Book of Memories page at www.hallfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Simmons, Harrington, and Hall Funeral Home 975 Wiscasset Rd Boothbay, ME 04537