James Richard Collins
James Richard Collins, 74, of Polson, MT, and formerly of Farmington Hills, MI, passed away at his Polson home on Wednesday, November 10, 2010.
James was born on August 20, 1936 in Boston, MA, a son of the late John and Elizabeth Collins. He attended Boston College High School, graduating in 1954, and later went on to receive his BA in Finance from Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA, graduating in 1958. James then enlisted in the US Army that same year and served until his honorable discharge in 1962.
Jim worked for General Motors and Honeywell in Boston and Michigan during his career.
Jim’s faith was very important to him and was a devout, lifelong member of the Catholic Church.
He enjoyed sports, especially coaching youth hockey and baseball. Jim energetically and loyally followed the Boston Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, New England Patriots, and the Boston College Eagles, in particular their outstanding men\’s hockey program. He was an avid reader, an amateur historian; particularly in American and Irish history. Easy with a conversation and a smile and generous with his friendly and energetic spirit, Jim was an adored friend to many. He also doted on his three kitties. Jim was always fun loving and above all else cherished his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Besides his parents, Jim is also preceded in death by a son, James Richard Collins, Jr.
Those left with cherished memories are his loving wife, Jean Collins of Polson, MT; a daughter, Mary (Brian) Collins Kelly of Whitefish, MT; three sons, Kevin (Christine) Collins of Chicago, IL, John Collins, of Essex, MT, and Michael (Dina) Collins also of Chicago, IL; a sister, Mary “Reanie” King of Arlington, MA; a brother, John (Carol) Collins of Falmouth, MA. Additionally, Jim leaves behind 7 very dear grandchildren, 7 nieces and nephews and a multitude of grandnieces and nephews.
Visitation for Jim’s friends and family will begin on Wednesday, November 17, 2010, from 5 – 7 PM at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Polson. A vigil service will begin at 7 PM that evening. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, November 18 at 10:30 AM with Father James Connor presiding. Interment with military rites will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Polson, MT.
In lieu of flowers, Jim’s family has requested that expressions of sympathy be made in the form of a memorial contribution to either the Whitefish Christian Academy Scholarship Fund, 820 Ashar Avenue, Whitefish, MT 59937, or to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org.
Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, MT, considers it a privilege to care for the Collins family.
May your loving memories, bring you peace and joy in the years to come.
Our love, support, and best wishes during these challenging time of transition.
If only words could express our deepest feelings…..
On behalf of The Bensman “Family”,
With respect, and admiration….
My familys thoughts and prayers are with the entire Collins family. A man can be measured and remembered by looking at his family, in Jim’s case, he could not have been a better man. I know he is looking down upon his family and has a huge smile on his face. He will be in our thoughts and prayers for many years to come.
Mike Powers and Family
With heartfelt sympathy and understanding thoughts in this time of sadness.
Jeanne and family, So sorry to hear about Jim’s passing last week. We have fond memories of our get-togethers with both of you. Jim was so much fun to be with, and his laughing was contagious. We know you will miss him terribly. We were not aware of your move to Montana until Jack and Sue called us today. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these difficult days. May God give you strength.
Joanne and Dick
Jim’s friendship meant alot to me. He was a person with high ideals and love for others. I really appreciated his fellow kinship of the Irish and his high values. I will miss him…Love,Jack. I always enjoyed being around Jim He put you in a good mood with his quick wit and sense of humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jeanne and your beautiful family. Love, Sue Please keep in touch.
Dear Kevin and family:
Our deepest sympathy at the loss of your father and grandfather. I can tell he was a fun-loving and special person. It was nice to see his picture on this web site. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Sincerely,
Melissa, Matt and everyone
Dear Mary and Brian,
Our deepest sympathy upon the loss of Jim. He looks like such a delightful man, and i remember meeting him at John’s Baptism reception some years ago in Chicago. You are all in our prayers. May he rest in the peace of the Lord.
Sheila and David Ames
We are so sorry to hear this very sad news. He must have loved being close to his family and especially grandchildren, and it will be a big loss for you all too.
Jim Collins will be in our prayers, as will all of you.
We are thinking of the Collins/Kelly family and wish we could be with you right now. Please know we always will be though in love and prayer. Mary, how lucky your Dad was to have you as his daughter and Brian as his son in law.
Love,
Kelly, Al and Petey
Kevin,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences to you and your family and know that we are all thinking about you and praying for you.
Regards,
Paula
My deepest sympathy to your family.
Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. Jim will surely be missed, really enjoyed talking with him at your family get togethers in Chicago. God Bless you and your family!
I am sorry for your family’s pain. It seems to me that he was a great man and left behind a legacy of strength. My deepest respect.
Feel sorry for loss of your family…
Dear Kevin and family,
Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your father. You are in our thoughts.
Sincerely,
Rhoda Bane
Our deepest sympathy to you Jeanne and your beautiful family. We will keep you all in our prayers.
Kevin and the Collins family, our heart felt condolences on the passing of your father. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers as you deal with his passing.
Phil Lacy
We have such fond memories of holiday celebrations with the Collins family. It didn’t matter if it was the night before Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve or any other day, we knew we could come over and join the festivities! Jim kept everyone engaged in conversations with topics ranging from the best hockey defensemen to U.S. history and politics. Usually by the end of the evening at least one Baughman (Mike) and a Collins or two would be snoozing in his chair…
Please know you are in our thoughts.
Love,
Mary Jane, Mike, Meredith and Adam
Dear Mike and Family,
We send our heartfelt condolences. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Chris & Sabrina Tamney
Dear Aunt Jean and Family.
We can’t even begin to tell you how shocked and saddened we are upon hearing of Uncle Jim’s sudden passing. We have spent the last few days reminiscing with Ma about our favorite stories about him and how we always looked forward to seeing our family from Michigan. Uncle Jim always brought a great story and a lot of laughs when he was here and we will miss him greatly.
You are in the forefront of our thoughts and prayers and we know you will find comfort in the fact that Uncle Jim was loved by all those who knew him.
Love,
Brian, Pattie, Mary and John
Kevin and Family – I am so sorry for your loss. Please take care and know that we are all thinking about you and your family.
Lisa Gisburne
Kevin and Family,
With deepest sympathy, I am so sorry for your loss. May your fond memories be a source of comfort and peace. Your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Steve
John, Mary and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kevin:
My deepest sympathy to you and your family at the loss of your father. May you find comfort and peace in fond memories of him.
You’re in my thoughts and prayers,
Susan
Dear Kevin and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. We will keep your father and your entire family in our family’s thoughts and prayers.
Chris
Kevin & family,
Were were saddened to hear of your loss. Please accept our condolences.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
In Friendship,
The Amato Family
Love you grandma
Jean,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers & thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
John
Please accept my sincere condolences and know that I am thinking about and praying for you and your wonderful family during this tough time. My deepest sympathies,
Ted
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Collins family. May you find strength in each other during this tough time. Love, Tim
Dear Mrs. Collins, As your neighbor on Beacontree these last several years, I was greatly saddened to read of Jim’s passing in today’s Observer. Jim, your son John, and you were the type of neighbors that make a street a good one to live on. Thank you for your past kindness and your garden fresh vegetables. I have moved from Beacontree but still reside in Farmington so if there is ANYTHING I can do for you here please don’t hesitate to call me @ 248 866 4808.I am more than willing to look after anything you may need to attend to back here. My thoughts and condolences go out to you and John and the rest of your family.Jim was one of a kind and will always be remembered fondly by me. With heartfelt sympathy, Bob Hughes
Sorry for you loss!
I met Mr. & Mrs. Collins years ago becuase I had became friends with thier son Jonny. Over the Years I would see Mr. Collins And I would sit there And talk to him about everything. I REALLY liked Mr. & Mrs. Collins and I am SO sorry, my prayer and thoughts are with the Collins and I will miss him but I know that I will see him someday again in heaven, God Bless to all the Collins and thiers.
Jean,
I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Edyta
Mike, Dan texted me last week re your Dad’s passing. It made me think back to the Sundays I saw him at St. Fabian’s and how I hadn’t seen him in years. Did not know he moved to Montana. Our conversation was always about our sons (you and Dan) and of course Boston sports. You may recall I graduated from BC 5 years after your Dad did. Re the write-up in today’s Observer, I was impressed by your Dad’s following of BC’s hockey team and the warm words about him. A great Dad and Irishman. Please accept my thoughts and prayers for Jim. A good man in heaven!!
Dave Knipper
Dear John, Mary, Jean, Brian, and family,
Our family’s hearts go out to you all. Others at the Izaak Walton Inn are also caught between not wanting to intrude and wanting each of you to know we are saddened by your loss and thankful for the celebration of special memories which are surely both intermingled together.
Hugs,
Rich and Amanda Kern
Jean,
I very sorry to hear about Jim’s death. I used to think being over 70 was old, but not so anymore. Life is short, 70+ is shorter still. I have fond memories of our HS years and how upbeat you were. I hope that this will be a source of strength for you.
I look forward to the next SJV get-together and the opportunity to visit with you.
Denny
So sorry to hear about your father. I have such fond memories of him. I would run into him at JW’s and we would have conversations about hockey, the RedWings and the Boston Bruins. He will be sadly missed.
To the Collins Family-
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. May the love and support of your family and friends help you through this time.
With my heartfelt sympathies-
Lori (Land) Horton
We are very sorry for your loss.
The Cullen Family – Farmington Hills, Mi
hi jean ,mary and boys.. real sorry to hear about jim we had agreat time with you and raising our kids together what fun.. hope your gang is well. all our love leavys
hi jean ,mary and boys.. real sorry to hear about jim we had agreat time with you and raising our kids together what fun.. hope your gang is well. all our love the leavy family
Kevin & Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My heart goes out to you during this very difficult time. May your memories bring some relief to your sorrow in the days to come.
Laura and John Tyrpin
My deepest sympathy to the entire Collins family. Prayers go out to you and Im thinking of you. Love Leanne
My Family and I would like to express our condolenses to the Family. May the words of Jesus bring you comfort at John 5:28, 29 … “All those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.”