JAMES W. COLLINS's Obituary
JAMES WILLIAM COLLINS, age 87, of L’Anse, went to the Lord on August 15, 2011 at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette, where he had been a resident for one year, following a lengthy illness. Jim was born September 7, 1923 at the Point Iroquois Lighthouse, Brimley, Michigan to the late James E. and Laura (Kalnbach) Collins.
Jim spent his childhood living at Point Iroquois Light and Sault Ste. Marie. At age 13 his family moved to Skanee, MI, where he spent the school year on the mainland and summers at the Huron Island Lighthouse. Jim attended the Skanee School. He served his country in 1942 for the duration of WWII in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, and was wounded during the Battle of St. Lo. Jim received 4 Bronze Battle Stars, 3 Overseas Services Bars, Good Conduct Medal, and the Purple Heart Medal. After the war he moved to the Milwaukee area and worked as a machinist for Kearney & Trecker, retiring in 1985. Jim returned to L’Anse shortly after retiring. On June 20, 1986, Jim married Irene Benson, with whom he celebrated a 20th wedding anniversary in 2006. He was awarded a high school diploma from L’Anse Area Schools with the class of 2002 of which he was very proud. Jim was a member of St. Peters Evangelical Church in Stambaugh, MI, the L’Anse American Legion Post #144, and the L’Anse VFW Post #3897. His retirement years saw him active as a fisherman, gardener, and the neighborhood helping hand. Jim enjoyed country music, dancing, watching football and baseball, and family gatherings that always turned into a party.
Jim is survived by his four sons, James D. (Christine) of L’Anse, William of Rudyard, MI, Terry (Wendy) of Ironwood, and Thomas (Susan) of Fairbanks, Alaska, grandchildren James C., Christopher, James Dynes, Heather, Shawn, Josh, Laura, Melissa, Jason, Daniel, Amanda, Thomas, and Clarissa, 17 great-grandchildren, brother Clayton “Foozy” Collins of L’Anse, and nieces and nephews. He is also survived by stepchildren Kenneth (Carol) Abrahamson, Judy (Jim) Heikkila, and Sally (Bill) Pautz, Julie Benson, 7 step-grandchildren, and 5 step-great grandchildren. Preceding him in death were his wives Dorothy, Rose, and Irene, his parents, and sisters Marjorie Erickson, Laurel Georgel, and Marilyn Orr.
Funeral services were held at 3 pm on Thursday, August 18, 2011 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse with Pastor Edward Starkey officiating. The family greeted friends at the funeral chapel on Thursday from 2 pm until the time of the funeral service. Baraga County area veterans under the direction of the Baraga American Legion Post #444 conducted graveside military honors at the L’Anse Evergreen Cemetery immediately following the funeral service. Following the services, the family invited friends to join them for fellowship and a luncheon in the Harrington Gathering Room, located at the funeral chapel.
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