James Brotherton Jr.

To remember James Carroll Brotherton Jr., of Hopkins, Minnesota, formerly of Liberty, Texas, means to reflect on the fiercely loyal, generous spirit, and overflowing heart he had. We unexpectedly lost, James, an amazing husband, brother, a brother-in-law, an uncle, a nephew, a cousin, and an incredibly proud puppy dad on Saturday, October 19, 2024, in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, but we will never lose the love he instilled in all of us. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church, 5025 Knox Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota. A memorial service will begin at 11:00 a.m. followed by a luncheon at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church. A graveside service will be at Mound Cemetery in Ortonville, Minnesota, at a later date. 

James never gave up in any situation – whether it was enduring leg braces as a child, countless sports injuries which resulted in broken bones and many surgeries – and no matter what, he looked out for his family and those closest to him when they needed him. It shows a testament to his perseverance and passion throughout his short life on earth!

James was born to Sue and James Brotherton in Springhill, Louisiana, on May 24, 1969. He grew up in Louisiana until the age of 8 and then relocated with his family to Liberty, Texas. He also lived in Pikeville, Kentucky; Crystal, Minnesota; and Hopkins, Minnesota, but the “Lone Star State" always carried a piece of his heart. 

James was 55 years old and lived a successful life as a multi-store general manager for several businesses including Holiday, Home Depot, and most recently Caribou Coffee. As an exceptional student he excelled at Liberty High School, as well as the University of Texas. Some of his hobbies included officiating football and basketball games across Minnesota, looking for way to serve others through volunteerism – such as Twin Cities in Motion, Race for the Cure, Girls on the Run, Special Olympics MN and countless other organizations. He was honored with Caribou Coffee’s Captain Awesome Award, which highlights his community service. In his spare time, he watched sports of all kinds, fishing, playing games, and making the best smoked ribs and briskets north of Texas. And let’s remember how serious he got when the Texas Longhorns or Houston Texans were on their fourth down in front of the end zone.

James is survived by his loving wife of 18-years, Barbara Brotherton; sister, Kathy Cabello (Johnny Greene); sisters and brothers-in-laws: Colleen (Brian) Pribyl, Michelle (Pat) Daly, Larry (Tina) Jones; nieces and nephews: Ashley (Orlando) Wells; Cliff (Violet) Wells, Ashley (Matt) Parker; Tyler Jones (Grant Rubin); Patrick Daly, Kyle Pribyl; as well as great nephews and a great niece: Henry, Eleanor, and Oliver Parker. And very special bonus family members: Jennifer Auger and Cameron Auger-Pirri. 

He was preceded in death by his parents: Sue and James Brotherton; his mother and father-in-law: Beverly and David Jones; his grandparents; several aunts; uncles; and cousins. 

Memorials are preferred to Special Olympics of Minnesota as well the family’s choice. 

Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy. 

 Written by James's family.