"J. F. Brooks Is Dead. James F. Brooks died Tuesday morning at the Bon Ton hotel. He had been in ill health for several days past, having a complication of diseases among them pneumonia, from which, however, he had recovered. Mr. Brooks was born at San Francisco, was about 38 years of age, and has been in Marysville since last August. His parents reside in New York city. His elementary education was received in the schools of his native city. He also attended a mining school at San Francisco and spent four years in a London (Eng.) school of mines. He has traveled extensively as a mining expert, in South Africa, South America and Mexico. He was for some time assayer for the Montana Co., and of late had quite an interesting class of students, at this place, in chemistry, mineralogy, etc. The funeral services were conducted at the M. E. church. Wednesday, Rev. Bennett officiating, and his remains were interred in the Marysville cemetery. We hope he has passed to a better world than this. Not one of delusive dreams and corroding cares; but rather one where his serene soul may be drawn out in sweet and perfect harmony, where the minor strains of sadness and sorrow are swallowed up in lofty notes of joy and gladness. Mr. Brooks was a scholar, a scientist, a gentleman. He always sought for light, and desired to know. Superstition, pedantry, and surface thought, he abhorred, but always he was dignified and gentle and thoughtful. Though no maternal tears gushed forth in crystal streams, o'er the silent form, at the sepulcher, yea he will sleep as tranquilly, severely and placidly as though he rested in Greenwood beneath a sister's cherished chaplet of flower." Marysville Gazette, 3/29/1894, page 3.

"Death of J. F. Brooks. The many friends of J. F. Brooks will be shocked to learn of his death which occurred at the Bon Ton Hotel, Marysville, at about 7 o'clock Tuesday morning. Mr. Brooks had been a resident of this town about a year, first holding position as assayer for the Montana Co. and lately had been doing business for himself being engaged in running the Maryville Assay Office. About ten days ago his friends thought a change of climate would be beneficial and he disposed of his property, when he was stricken with pneumonia, from which he never rallied. During his sickness Mr. Brooks received the best of care both from his physician, Dr. King, and other friends, and special praise is due Mr. Shirley, who never left the sick man even when others came to relieve him, also to Mrs. F. T. Holloway and R. D. Peeler, and to all the attendants of the hotel, who were so devoted to his needs and welfare. Mr. Brooks was one of the most expert metallurgists and mineralogists of the West and probably one of the most expert assayers that ever came to Montana. While in Marysville he had made many warm friends who sincerely mourn his loss. He was about forty years of age and leaves near and dear relatives in the East. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the M. E. church, the ceremony being conducted by Rev. John Gist and was attended by a large congregation, after which the remains of Mr. Brooks were laid to rest in the Marysville cemetery, among the many choice flowers placed upon his casket by kind friends. San Francisco and New York papers please copy." The Mountaineer, Marysville, 3/29/1894, page 3.

Herrmann & Co: J. D. Conrad, Marysville, ordered his coffin: #3 In rosewood case 6/3 and outside box $37.50.