A fifth-generation Atlanta native, James spent his life giving himself away through his service as a Pharmacist (Collier’s Pharmacy and Medicine on Time), a motor home traveling husband, and an incredibly generous father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. To many he will always be “Mr. C,” the friendly Doraville pharmacist who, for 30 years, never hesitated to help anyone who came through the door with medicine, a caring word, or friendly conversation. He treasured the opportunity to train upcoming pharmacists and add them to the Collier family. He was truly a father figure to all who knew him.
Along the way, James and his devoted wife of 63 years, Dianne, traveled the nation in their various motor homes. Their children, grandchildren, and family friends were blessed to experience the salt air and rocky beaches of Maine, the glaciers and rodeos of Canada, and the precious memories of Walt Disney World. Later, James and Dianne turned their love of travel into their own motor home ministry they called “Journey for Jesus,” taking the Gospel message to every restaurant server or dime store clerk they encountered.
To his family he will always be “Bop,” the true southern gentleman with the old-Atlanta accent and the twinkle in his eye. Minds will forever be filled with memories of the white sandy beaches of Panama City, Destin, and Pensacola where if you could find some good scallops and a thick porterhouse steak you had it made. The joy Bop took in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild was infectious. They all would say that God gave them the best!
James led a full life and was ready to enter his eternal Heavenly home to finally see the face of his Savior, Jesus Christ.
James joins his mother and father, Buena Kathryn and James Taylor Sr. in Heaven, along with countless other family members and friends. It is truly a glorious reunion. He will one day be joined by his loving wife, Dianne; his oldest daughter, Laurie Renshaw; his son, Chris, and his wife Tiffany; and his youngest daughter, Michelle Herring, and her husband Mike. He was a devoted big brother to Jean King and Sandy McLane and was dear “Uncle Jimmy” to their children. He delighted in being “Bop” to his grandchildren — Emily Renshaw, Leah (Michael) Gillett, Christopher Collier, Lillie (London) Allison, Tucker Collier, Levi Herring, and May Herring — and his joy only grew with the arrival of his great-granddaughter, Sadie Gillett. His greatest prayer was that each of them would know the same Savior he loved, so that one day they too would share in the joy of seeing him again in Heaven.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
