Jeffrey Brookens

Jeffrey Lynn Brookens passed away in the early evening of April 13, 2022 at the age of 69. Born on July 8, 1952 in Chambersburg, PA, he was the only child of Ellis H. and J. Louise (Foreman) Brookens. At a young age, Jeff’s father nicknamed him ‘Puncho’—a moniker that he is referred to by friends and family to this day.

Mr. Brookens graduated from Chambersburg Area Senior High School in 1970 and attended Mansfield University. Jeff played baseball from the time he could catch a ball at three through college and adult league ball. He also umpired high school and college baseball in his early years. Even though Jeff worked for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for a time, baseball was always his calling. He had the pleasure of scouting for Major League Baseball for more than 36 years, first with the Chicago Cubs, then the Milwaukee Brewers, and finally the Cincinnati Reds for nearly 18 years. Jeff signed numerous Major League hopefuls over his career, including Devin Mesoraco, Chris Heisey, Mike Hubbard, Kevin Barker, Sean Maloney, Packy Naughton, and most recently Austin Hendrick and Andrew Abbott. Along the way, Jeff was inducted into the Pennsylvania American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame and the Mid-Atlantic Scouts Association Hall of Fame and was awarded the Mid-Atlantic Scouts Association’s Scout of the Year in 2011, the Cincinnati Reds’ Barton Scout of the Year in 2020, and Major League Baseball’s East Coast Scout of the Year in 2021—the latter of which was a much-deserved recognition by his peers. ‘Brookie’, as he was known to colleagues, was a friend and mentor to many.

In the off-season, Jeff refereed football and basketball for more than 35 years. He could be found on the midget football field, high school basketball court, state championship stadium field, or women’s college court nearly every day of the week. Jeff prided himself in being able to run circles around those half his age.

In addition to his penchant for sports, Jeff enjoyed summers at the local swimming pool and at his favorite beach spots where he could put his feet in the sand and people watch. He also was dedicated to and proud of his manicured lawn. Jeffrey B., as ascribed by his immediate family, appreciated snazzy clothing and a few too many pairs of shoes.

Jeff was a devoted husband to Kimberly S. (McDonald) for the last 47 years and a dedicated father to his daughter, Tiffini J., and son-in-law, Jeffrey E. Platt.

Memorial donations may be made to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research in hopes of finding a cure for the disease that cut Jeff’s life unnecessarily short.

Family will receive friends on Friday, April 22, 2022, from 5 to 8 pm at the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Inc., 333 Falling Spring Rd., Chambersburg, PA. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 23 at 1 pm at the funeral home, with burial to follow at Lincoln Cemetery. Visitation will occur from noon to 1 pm.

The service can be live streamed at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1650387265179172