James Sherlock Collins, Jr., 70, of Shoreham, MI and a long-time resident of Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood, passed away on Friday, Dec. 2. Beloved husband of Marcia Blake for 47 years; loving and dedicated father of Brian Blake-Collins (Jennifer Dronkers) and Sean Collins (Andréia Précoma); adored grandfather of Aurelia Blake-Collins, Oriana and Calia Collins; cherished brother of Carol (Steve) Napleton, Russell (Laura) Showalter and Julie (Mark) Marshall.
After graduating from St. Ignatius H.S. (’69), Jim earned a B.S. from Northwestern University (’72), a Master’s in Biology from the University of Chicago (’78) and a Master’s of Public and Private Management from Yale University (’86). After beginning his career as a biologist (publishing several papers on the color vision of hummingbirds), Jim worked over 30 years as an economist at Citigroup until his retirement in 2020. Jim was an unheralded artist who painted, woodworked, composed music, and played both the piano and cello. Jim loved reading, bird watching, and golfing with his wife and sons. He was a kind and genuine man who is greatly missed by all those fortunate to have known him.
Visitation will take place at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, St. Joseph, MI, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7, following a prayer service at 5 p.m. and from 10 to 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 9 at St. Paul’s Bible Church, Chicago, IL, followed by a Funeral Service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow the church service at Evergreen Cemetery, Evergreen Park, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations to www.violet-foundation.org Those wishing to sign Jim’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinnger.com.
Posted On: Monday, December 5, 2022 9:38 AM
