James Halford Collins Sr.

James Halford "Jim" Collins, Sr., 90, went home to be with his Lord on March 3, 2011. A native of Harnett County, Jim was the oldest of eight children born to Sid and Ethel Collins. He graduated from Geyer Business College, and then served his country during WWII with the 762nd Army Air Force Base Unit, 132nd AACS, as a staff sergeant working in Military Intelligence. He returned from Europe to make Charlotte his home and married Rosie, his beloved wife of 55 years. She preceded him in death in 2003. Jim retired from Carroll Aligning Service Company, a valued employee for almost 30 years. Jim loved his Lord Jesus Christ, serving Him faithfully at Chantilly Baptist, which today is Cornerstone Baptist Church. He was a man of quiet strength, who loved God, loved his family and always placed others before himself. Jim was known for the bountiful garden he tilled for Rosie at their home on Commonwealth and Briar Creek and for the warm welcome always found there. He was a loving husband, an excellent father, a wonderful granddaddy and a faithful friend.

A service of celebration will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 7, at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 8947 Albemarle Road, with interment to follow at Sharon Memorial Park. Services will be conducted by The Reverend Glenn Gunter and The Reverend Jerry Woolery. The family will receive friends from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, at McEwen Funeral Service, Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road.

Jim is survived by his loving children, James H. ‘Hal’ Collins, Jr. and wife, Kathy, of Fayetteville, Glenn H. Collins and wife, Shirley, of Burlington, Teresa C. Hall and husband, Chris, of Leland and Karen C. Davis of Ft. Mill, SC; ten grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, three brothers and his only sister.

Memorials may be made to the Music Ministry of Cornerstone Baptist Church, 8947 Albemarle Rd. Charlotte, NC 28227.

“But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings as eagles, They shall run, and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isa. 40:31

Arrangements are by McEwen Funeral Service, Mint Hill Chapel, 7428 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, online at mcewenminthillchapel.com.