Julius Brooks

Julius Brooks, 97, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at his home. A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Maple Street Baptist Church. Immediately following his visitation, his funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Host Pastor Keith Ratcliff officiating. Burial will follow in the Iowa Veteran’s Cemetery near Adel, Iowa.

Julius Brooks was born on October 18, 1927, in Inverness, Florida to Emmett and Queenie (Wilson) Brooks. He grew up in Jacksonville, Florida where he attended and graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1945. Following school, Julius enlisted in the Army where he played in the Army Band and honorably served his country during the Korean Conflict.

Julius was a self-taught musician and was blessed to play his saxophone, keyboard, and bass all over the country with the Ink Spots (6 years) and Louis Jordan (5 years). He played for the likes of Bob Hope, Jackie Gleason, Jack Nicklaus, Clint Eastwood and President Gerald Ford. While living in Los Angeles he played with Ray Charles, James Brown, Little Richard, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Sam Cooke, Four Tops, The Temptations, Carole King, and various bands. His music allowed him to cross paths with Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald.

Julius moved to Des Moines in 1980 and he taught piano and saxophone lessons to various students. Over the years, Julius had played with nearly every jazz and blues musician in the Des Moines area in various forms of trios and bands. He became well-known playing in restaurants and clubs like Guido’s at the Hotel Savory, Adventureland, Chicago Speakeasy, Fratello’s piano bar, Noce and most recently at Chuck’s restaurant. He never missed an opportunity to play for tips at farmer’s markets, festivals and at the skywalk. Along with other honors, Julius was blessed with being inducted in the Iowa Jazz Hall of Fame in 2004 and given the Legacy Award at Noce in 2017.

Julius married the love of his life, Debra Kaye Hawkins on March 10, 2007 at the Maple Street Baptist church, where they were both members. He loved to spend time with his wife and family, traveling, cooking, writing and performing music.

In addition to his parents, and his wife Debra Brooks, Julius was preceded in death by his siblings, Sarah Brooks Greenlee, Margaret Brooks Paige and Dora Whittaker Wright.

Those left to cherish his loving memory are his children, Ronnie Brooks, Thelonious Brooks, Korey M. Reed and Francess E. Hawkins; grandchildren, Lakeisha B. Beining, Vanecia Brooks, Mario Ray Brooks, Thelonious Brooks Jr., Malachi J. Reed, Tiaria M. Hawkins and Khalea J. Wright; niece, Carol Y. Wright, and nephew, Vince T. Wright; special cousin, Annamaria Toller; several great grandchildren, and a host of extended family members and many close friends.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.

At a later time, a musical Celebration of Life will be held to honor Julius' accomplishments.