1948-2025
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An inspiration and a true Bognorian who enriched all he met.
A true Bucgenorian
A tribute to our friend
We were very sad to hear of the passing of Councillor Jim Brooks. He was a district councillor, serving residents of Marine ward since 2007, and was Chair of Arun District Council for the 2021/22 civic year. Councillor Brooks also sat on Bognor Regis Town Council for many years and was Mayor of Bognor Regis from 2011 to 2012.
He had lived in Marine Ward, Bognor Regis since 1960 and had been actively involved in the town for most of that time. He was a keen supporter of local events, theatre and live shows and was very musical, enjoying singing and playing both the fiddle and guitar in local folk groups. He sat on several committees in his time as a district councillor, including the Policy and Finance Committee and the Audit & Governance Committee and was vice-chair of the former Bognor Regis Regeneration Sub-Committee. He was also a member of the Bathing Water Steering Group.
Up until recently, Councillor Brooks was an active member on the editorial board of the council magazine, The Arun Times, bringing his passion for the arts, local charities and The Picturedrome Cinema to that role - as well as a keen eye for design.
He will be missed by Arun District Council staff and councillors alike. We send our condolences to his family and friends at this sad time.
“Mr Bognor Regis”, friend of our Town — Jim Brooks
by Jan Cosgrove
Anyone who knew Jim, as I did over many years, knew of his dedication and passion for all things Bognor. Also of his doggedness and fight when it came to things he believed in. That included running The Bognor Birdman over many years, being both a Town and District Councillor for Marine Ward, music and arts in the Town, beach access for the disabled, and more.
When one says ‘determined’ you knew when Jim wanted say a change, as he did at the Town Council where he argued for efficiencies as he saw them, or over the beach access issue. In my view, we owe it to his memory to ensure that the heart of his vision is achieved.
Staunchly Independent and Local, he saw local government as no place for national party politics.
Roger Nash, a fellow Councillor, has paid warm tribute to Jim for his ability as a musician, they played often together in pubs etc, Roger would agree that when one said he was on the fiddle, it meant the violin and nothing else …. a deeply honest man.
In his final months, of the cancer that has taken him from us, Jim asked a few friends to help him form The Brooks Family Trust, to encourage artistic endeavour in the Town and nearby parishes. Michael Brooks (his brother), Steve Goodheart, Rachel Searle, Rachel Till are the Trustees, already the Trust helped a talent event at the new Pier venue. (BTW, he also was passionate that this needs support and improvement, of course. ….). I helped by writing the trust document and getting it registered as a charity which I am so glad we completed.
Jim, staunch defender and friend of Bognor Regis, we salute you.
More personal tributes
Jim Brooks was a true ambassador to Bognor Regis - in its promotion and so so much more many un - documented things he did for the town he loved. He touched the hearts of many that he met with his amazing and total genuine enthusiasm for Bognor Regis.
His funeral today with standing room only, showed how many lives he touched, all giving Jim the loving farewell that he very much deserved for all that he did for us all and Bognor Regis. He touched my heart and I thank him for that.
Go Jim, onwards and upwards.
20 Feb 25
Really sad to hear of the passing of Jim Brooks. He was a man passionate about Bognor, til the end he never stopped believing in Bognor's potential .
He was a founder and regular in the folk scene and was supportive and generous to all local music festivals. He was a driving force behind Spirit FM ( and a bit gutted when it later moved to Chichester), the Bognor illuminations and his bright idea, Billy Bulb. His Dad was a Clown and Entertainer in Bognor who inspired Jim's dedication to Bognor's Civic Life.
A lomg standing member of both Bognor Regis Town Council and Arun District Council he also proudly served as the Town Mayor.
I will miss your smile and positivity Jim. Job done, Thank you, now Rest in Peace.
Rachel Searle x
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