James, also known as Jimmy, was born on May 23, 1940, to James L. Collins Sr and Edith Fourqurean Collins in Plant City, Florida. After graduating from Turkey Creek High School in 1957, he went on to join The United States Marine Corps in 1958. He served until 1968 and did extensive traveling while serving our nation. He had the privilege of visiting Vietnam, Japan, Taiwan, Guam, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Haiti, Santo Domingo, Spain, France, Great Britain, Hawaii, Alaska, and many more.
After completing his service, he began his career as an over-the-road driver usually traveling from Memphis, TN to Portland, OR; Sacramento, CA; Los Angeles, CA; and Phoenix, AZ. Jimmy was happy to say that he had visited 48 of our 50 states while working as a truck driver and serving our country. He retired from Roadway Express after 30 years of driving a tractor-trailer. Jimmy once stated, “I have been around the world and back again and have enjoyed every minute of it.”
On March 8, 1963, Jimmy married the love of his life Adocia Marie Worley at Margaret Road Holiness Church in Memphis, TN. They went on to have 2 children, Jeffrey Langston Collins and Gregory Winston Collins.
After his retirement in 2004, Jimmy was able to devote time to his loving wife and family. He had a great love for boiled peanuts, music, travel, and spending quality time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents James and Edith Collins, his older sister Lucille Collins, and his beloved son Jeffrey Collins (Lisa). He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Adocia Collins; and his son Gregory Collins (Teresa) of Hernando, MS. He leaves behind 7 grandchildren Jeffrey Collins, Joey Collins (Audrey), Garrett Collins (Samantha), Noah Collins, Joshua Collins, Breanne McDonough (Addison), and Marissa Collins. He also leaves behind 3 great grandchildren Myles, Maisie, and Maddox.
One of Jimmy’s favorite Bible verses is Psalms 29:2.
Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
Services will be held at Brantley Funeral Home located at 6875 Cockrum Road Olive Branch, MS on Monday, May 16th. Visitation will be from 9:00-10:00, and the funeral will begin at 10:00. Graveside service will follow at Memphis Memory Gardens located at 6444 Raleigh Lagrange Road Memphis, TN.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brantleyfuneral.com for the Collins family.
