Mr. James Henry Middlebrook fondly called “Doc” and “JM” was born on March 30, 1950 in Stanton, Tennessee to Mary and James B. Middlebrook. During his school-age years, James lived between Stanton and Toledo, Ohio. At the age of 14 he became a “Bulldog” attending Jesup W. Scott High School.In transition to adulthood, James enlisted in the US Army and served in Alabama, Missouri and Germany until his honorable discharge in 1974.

After his discharge, he returned to Toledo and found gainful employment working for several agencies, including the Toledo Catholic Diocese. On December 26th, 1998 he married Ernestine “Stine” Pringle.

In service to the VFW POST on Junction Street, he lived out one of his greatest passions working with and mentoring young boys and girls participating in the Drum & Bugle Corps with his best friend James “Junior” Boykins. The Drum and Bugle Corps traveled all over the country under James’ leadership, receiving numerous awards and trophies for their performances.

James loved spending time with family and friends. Some of his hobbies included roller skating with his sister Gwen and other family members and friends, taking fishing trips with brothers Maurice and Al, hours of playing chess with his brother Charles, golfing with his cousins at Ottawa Park, and playing his keyboard. He was an all-around great person to be around and his life encompassed many things.

James cared immensely for and was very protective of his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ernestine Pringle-Middlebrook, and brother Robert Middlebrook. Leaving to hold dear and reminisce his abounding life is his son David (Doreka) Gans, grandchildren Kabril, Israel and Imani Gans, sisters Gwen Hemphill and Janilyn (Calvin) Jones, brothers Donnie (Shirley) Middlebrook, Charles (Paulette)Douglas, Maurice Middlebrooks and Al (Felicia)Johnson, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Special acknowledgment to James’ brother, “Uncle Al”, for being a devoted brother and wonderful care-taker. The family would also like to thank Flower Hospital and the Flower hospice care unit for attending to James during his time of need and peaceful transition.