Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of William Brooks a coal and corn merchant, born 1855 in Widmerpool, Nottinghamshire and his wife Julia (Rosanna) Brooks, (nee Barltrop, married in the 3rd quarter of 1882 in the London City district) born in the 1st quarter of 1856 in Ashdon, Essex. William James was born in the 1st quarter of 1891 in Upper Broughton, Nottinghamshire, his siblings were Harry, born 1st January 1883, Mary Elizabeth, born 1885, Lilian, born 1886, Leonard Morton, born in the 2nd quarter of 1892, Samuel Maurice, born 31st January 1894, Elsie L’Oste, born 6th September 1896 and Ivy Bella, born 1898, all his siblings were born in Upper Broughton, in March 1901 the family home was at The Nook, Upper Broughton. In April 1911 William was engaged in farm work and was residing in the family home at Corner House, Upper Broughton, together with his father, a coal merchant, his mother and siblings, Mary, Leonard, Samuel, Elsie and Ivy. In the 1st quarter of 1913, William married Mabel Truman in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district, they resided at “Chestnut House,” St. Catherine's Road, Lincoln. Mabel was born in 1890 in Nether Broughton, Leicestershire. William’s mother died in the 4th quarter of 1919 in the Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire district, aged 61. William died of his wounds in the 2nd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station, France. He was awarded the British War and Allied Victory medals. His younger brother Leonard Morton fell in action on the 20th July 1918.
On Friday November 9th 1917 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS.” - FRISBY ON THE WREAKE. – LOCAL GUNNER KILLED. – Gunner William James Brooks (26), R.G.A., died on October 30th from wounds received in action. Previous to joining up he carried on the business of seed merchant at Frisby. A memorial service will be held at St. Mary’s at Nether Broughton, where his parents reside, on Sunday next. In the same issue the following further article was published under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” – DEATHS. – BROOKS.- In loving memory of Gunner William Brooks, killed in action October 30th, 1917. Buried in Belgium. Age 26 years. “Peace perfect Peace.” From his sorrowing Wife, Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters. A memorial service will be held in Nether Broughton Parish Church on Sunday, November 11th, at 6.30 pm.
On Friday November 1st 1918 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.” - IN MEMORIAM. BROOKS. – In affectionate remembrance of a dear husband and father, Gunner W. J. Brooks, R.G.A., of Nether Broughton, who died of wounds in Belgium, Oct. 30th, 1917.
From his Widow and two children.

Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Photographs kindly supplied by T. Willcocks, 31/07/2017.