James "Jim" Colling

Jim was born to Joseph W. and Martha Louise Hager Colling on August 10, 1937 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended St Bernard Elementary and graduated from Hughes High School before serving abroad in the US Army. Upon return to Cincinnati he married Dorothy Alice Hartledge and they adopted their sons, Scott and Michael. Jim attended college while working a full-time job and caring for a young family, graduating from Xavier University with a degree in business. He began his career in labor relations and worked throughout the United States as well as in Clermont Ferrand, France, affording Scott and Michael the opportunity to travel and learn abroad. He enjoyed a second career in law enforcement, which spanned a 20-year period, and retired from Bastrop County Sheriff's Department after 14 years of service.

Jim met Mary Ann Rader and her children Annette, Doug, and Erin in 1989 and they married on September 1st of that year. She was the love of his life and they enjoyed singing together and watching their grandchildren grow. He also enjoyed golf, football, aviation, and playing cards with his children and grandchildren. Jim was a member of Highland Village Church of Christ.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph W. and Martha Louise Hager Colling, and his first wife, Dorothy Hartledge Colling.

He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Mary Ann, five children, Scott Colling and wife Christine of Dallas; Michael Colling of Pearland; Annette Clay and husband James of Cedar Park; Doug Rader and wife Alison of Hutto; and Erin Johnson and husband Tom of Cedar Park; eight grandchildren, who called him Opa, Amberly Clay; Kimberly Clay; Hayden Colling; Kailey Colling; Molly Clay; Simon Johnson; Lily Rader; and Ronan Johnson and sister Barbara Abbinante and husband Paul of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, January 15, 2015 at Highland Village Church of Christ in Austin with minister Rick Laing officiating. Graveside service will follow at 4:00 PM at Cobb Cemetery in Groesbeck, Texas. Memorial contributions can be made to Arms of Hope (www.armsofhope.org) or Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org).

The family would like to thank Heart to Heart Hospice and the caring staff of St. David's Medical Center for providing compassionate care to Jim in his final days.