James D. Collins went home to be with his Savior on June 2, 2024. The leader of our family, our beloved dad, father-in-law, grandpa, great grandpa, lived his life for Jesus and will be missed desperately until we join mom and him in heaven.

Jim's life will be celebrated at 11:00am Thursday, June 6, 2024 at New Hope Baptist Church, Coal Valley, with family greeting friends from 10:00am to service time. Burial will be in Rock Island National Cemetery.

Jim was born in Mt. Vernon IL on February 9, 1933, to James Franklin and Edna Fay (Rapp) Collins. Jim met his beloved and cherished wife, Bonnie, in Mt. Vernon IL, and they married on March 11, 1955. They welcomed four children, all who love him and will miss him dearly; James Alan (Dora) Collins, Hudson FL, Kristi Ann (Michael) Murray, Milan IL, Sheri Lyn Gardner Collins (Kenneth) Hand, Cumming GA, and Kyle Dale (Deanna) Collins, St. Louis MO.

Jim served his Lord faithfully as a member of NorthCrest Calvary Baptist Church, Moline IL, serving as Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and Music Leader. Jim would also fill the pulpit over the years not only at NorthCrest, but throughout the greater Quad Cities area. He also enjoyed driving Bonnie to various locations to visit friends in need, who were usually much younger.

Jim enlisted in the US Air Force in 1951 and became a radio operator, serving in Korea until his mother became terminally ill in 1954. He was then a radio station engineer at WHCO in Sparta IL. In order to better provide for his expanding family, he moved to Rock Island IL and started his career working for the US Army. Of special note during his stellar career, Jim earned the Meritorious Civilian Service Award as Chief, Policy, Plans and Programs Division, Materiel Management Directorate. Jim demonstrated personal commitment, soundness of recommendations resulting in significantly increased weapons support to the Army in the field. His success was a credit to himself and the US Army Armament Munitions and Chemical Command. Jim was blessed to retire in 1991 and spent an amazing 33 years with Bonnie, enjoying their kids, grandkids, great grandkids, church, friends, and traveling to Florida during the coldest Midwest winter months.

In addition to his children/spouses, Jim leaves behind beloved grandchildren Nicole Bybee, Alisa (Landon) Krueger, Brant (Jennifer) Jensen, Shayna (Derek) Stevens, Cody Jensen, Kelsie Hand, Cameron Hand (fiancée Caitlyn Bryant), Jessica (Michael) Woodworth, Devin (Angie) Collins, Morgan Nunley, Jon Nunley, Samuel de Menezes, Daniel de Menezes, Rafael de Menezes, and Larissa de Menezes.

In addition, great grandchildren remain: Mathew and Hannah Brennan; Sydney, Natalie, Grace and Ryder Jensen; Madison, Emmalyn, Jep and Layton James Stevens; Isaiah and Kristin Jensen; Charlie Jacob and Ronan Woodworth; Frederico, Gustavo and Vitor Menezes.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his jewel of a wife, Bonnie (February 24, 2024) who he desperately missed.

Dad, we love you forever and will see you in heaven for eternity. You were the best dad we could have ever hoped for. Thank you for always pointing us toward Jesus.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim's name to NorthCrest Calvary Baptist Church, 3004 56th Street, Moline, IL 61265. Special thanks to Renae, Carol, and Sarah who helped us care for dad following mom's passing. You are treasures.

Online condolences may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com