James Brooks Glass, Jr.

Beloved son and brother passed peacefully in his sleep after a five-year struggle with Niemann Pick Type C-1, a very rare genetic incurable disease.

Born on July 1, 1981, in Mobile, Alabama to Renee McMillan-Cox and James B. Glass, Sr.  Brooks participated any many sports over the years to include soccer, hockey, football and running track/cross country in his school years. College football was his favorite sport to watch, and his team was the University of Alabama.  He did not miss a game and knew all the players.  He especially loved texting his Papa during these games.  After moving to Aliso Viejo, California he acquired a love for NFL football and had several favorite teams depending on who played for them out of college.

Brooks enjoyed an adventurous life, having lived in six of states in the U.S.  He had special fondness for New River Air Station, North Carolina, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Pensacola, Florida and Aliso Viejo, California.  Brooks loved to travel and in 2022 he completed a road trip with his mother visiting 29 states in total he visited 35 states in his life to include Hawaii for his senior trip in high school.

Brooks was a "fighter" as all affected by Niemann Pick and never gave up. He was a Brave Heart Lion.  Brooks will be remembered for his kind and gentle heart, along with a goofy sense of humor, fearless skiing, and love of good food, yes, he was a foodie.  Brooks was a simple but very delightful person. He loved and was loved by everyone he met. He was especially delighted when he returned to California and learned that his brother had become a gourmet cook.  Music was a big part of his life, he loved reading and going to movies. Brooks loved his family with all his heart. He was always appreciative and thanked everyone for anything they did for him and did not hesitate to apologize if he thought he caused anyone any hardships.  A mother could not ask for a better son.  He will be missed.

He is survived by his mother Renee McMillan-Cox of Aliso Viejo, CA, brother Brandon Crumpler of Aliso Viejo, CA, father James B. Glass, Sr. of Thomasville, AL, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Brooks is preceded in death by his stepfather, Captain Clark A. Cox, grandparents Walter and Virginia Glass, and his great grandparents, Flora Mae and Dennis F. Smith, and Labe and Nellie McMillan.

The family would like to thank the amazing medical teams at UCI Medical Center, Johns Hopkins University Hospital and National Institutes of Health (NIH) for their support and care over the past five years.

A Celebration of Life will be held for family and close friends on Saturday, July 29, 2023, 6 PM at The Ranch at Laguna Beach, 31106 Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.

In leu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the National Niemann Pick Foundation .