JAMES “Jim” Thomas Collins, dearly beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather passed away peacefully at his home in Palm City, Florida on July 15, 2018 at the age of 78. He was born January 15, 1940 to Mary “Holly” Carolynn and Wilburn “Jack” Woodburn Collins in Richmond, Indiana.
After marrying his high school sweetheart, Jim was offered a full academic and football scholarship to both Dartmouth and Southeast Missouri State University. Attending S.E. M. State, Jim earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He moved back to his home town and opened a successful real estate business, Collins Real Estate. In the late 60’s Jim switched gears and went back to school earning a Masters in Counseling Psychology from Southern Illinois University and Doctoral Studies in Psychology at the University of Florida. In 1997 he co-founded a successful homecare company with his wife and daughter Juli called VIP America, now in its 21st year, covering 16 counties and 3 offices.
Jim’s commitment to his Lord and Savior was evident in his active participation in his church. He served in many capacities including community outreach, deacon and elder positions and home groups. His early civic contributions included membership in the Rotary Club; Young Businessmen Ambassador for Rotary International in Southeast Asia; Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Associations and an active advocate to the state legislature on behalf of the nurse registry industry.
His early hobbies were sports of all types, Enduro racing, Motorcross racing, including earning a sponsorship with Honda to race and mathematics. His loves were spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved listening to country music and it wasn’t uncommon for him to break out in chorus when with is family with songs like “On the Road Again.”
Jim will be greatly missed by his wife Joan and their children: Daughter Jill and her husband Preston Ball and their children: Staci, Ashley and her husband Mike Skipper; Leah and her husband Andrew Young and their son Caden; Isaac and his wife Kristine and their son Jaxon; Jesse and his wife Rebekah and their son Asher; Jared, Rebekah, Jada and Preston “PJ”. Daughter Juli and her children: Josh Smith and Kati and her husband Justin Marlar and their children Kash and Kai. Son Josh and his wife Tonia and their children: Megan, Max and his wife Kayla, Kaitlin and Summer. Jim’s brother is William Steven Collins.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, July 21 at 2 pm at Highpoint Church, 2250 SE Walton Road, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952. There will be a reception following with food provided. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to a charity of your choice or https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/operation-torrent-light-up-to-live to combat veteran suicide.
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