John F. Collum, Jr.

John F. Collum, longtime resident of Jacksonville, passed away May 31, 2012 at age 87. He was an independent spirit and enjoyed his independence to the very end. Born in Wilmington, North Carolina, John served in World War II. He moved to Jacksonville with the Atlantic Coastline Railroad in the late 1950s and married Wilma Hall in 1963. He was a devoted husband and as a father, generous with his time, love, and attention. Throughout most of his life in Jacksonville he was active in many capacities at Southside Baptist Church, especially in efforts to support the less fortunate in the community: He helped organize Christmas events for the homeless, delivered food to the homebound, and generated support for HabiJax projects across the city. Friends and family knew him as an avid gardener and steadfast and compassionate friend. He will be greatly missed.

Surviving are his wife Wilma, daughter April Collum, son-in-law Mitch Sweat, son Eric Collum, and Trish Thomas.

A celebration of John's life will be held on Tuesday, June 5 at 11:00 am at Southside Baptist Church, 1435 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207.

Memorials in his name may be made to the American Heart Association.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL .

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hardge-giddenshendricksave.com.