James A Collins

Jim went home to be with his Lord a little earlier than we anticipated at the age of 70 on a beautiful Sunday morning. All his loved ones were present holding his hands and comforting him and each other as he departed. He was a lifelong resident of Vancouver, WA, attending Shumway Junior High, Fort Vancouver High School, and graduating from Columbia River High School, Class of 1970. Rather than attending graduation ceremonies, he felt he needed to enlist in the U.S. Navy, Seabees division, serving in Vietnam and Adak, AK. Jim enjoyed getting together with his grandsons, Andrew, Eli and Branden to discuss anything cars. For several years, coin collecting was also a passion of his. Outings on their motorcycle were a true joy and created fond memories with a trip to Yellowstone, the Great Teton Mountains, and Canada. Snow in August on a motorcycle was a true experience. A three week circle Hawaii cruise was a wonderful and relaxing adventure. Over his lifetime, Jim was a diverse individual when it came to occupations. Everything from a reserve police officer in Ridgefield, to an apprentice mortician, to working for Great Western Coatings, where he had fond memories of his part helping to paint the Glenn Jackson Bridge for the very first time when it was being constructed. He was very proud to have been employed by the First Church of God for several years before various illnesses forced him to retire. Jim is survived by Sandy, his devoted wife of 47 years: his loving daughter, Jamie Patterson (Randy); cherished grandsons, Andrew, Eli, Branden, and Roman (Wheeler), and Randy Jr. (Patterson); bother-in-;aw. Rich Wanke (Karen); niece, Kellie Griffin (Gerald); nephew, Kevin Wanke (Shanette); and we must not forget loving kitty, Milo. He was a proud sponsor of the Wounded Warrior Project, St. Judes Children's Organization, Shriners Hospital for Children, Alzheimer's Association, and the Clark County Food Bank. The family wishes to thank the many individuals who prayed for them over the years taking care of spiritual and physical needs. Also among these were the doctors, nurses, CNA's at Peace Health and Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital, the Vancouver Clinic and Pease Health Hospice. Going through illnesses and the dying process is often unchartered territory and you all made it a little easier. Jim was preceded in death by his parents. Robert and Doris Collins; brother, Micke; and sister Judy. Evergreen Memorial Gardens is in charge of the final arrangements and Private interment

James A Collins

May 13, 1952 - March 19, 2023