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James Collins Obituary
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COLLINS,
SGT. JAMES S., SR. - Age 35, passed away August 28, 2007 in Iraq, 303rd Military Police Company, U.S. Army Reserves. Beloved husband of Amy; dear father of Dawson; loving son of James and Marilyn; dear brother of Joanna Collins; and grandson of Jeannette Maul. Funeral service at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Rd. (between Maple and Big Beaver), Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. Family will receive friends Tuesday, 1 to 5 and 6:30 to 9 p.m. Memorial tributes tothe Wounded Soldier Relief Fund or Dawson's College Fund, c/o Comerica Bank, 260 Brown Rd., Auburn Hills, MI 48326 or any Comerica Bank branch. View obituary and share memories at www.DesmondFuneralHome.com www.MLive.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Collins
Peggy Childers
August 28, 2013
To the family and friends of Sgt. James S. Collins:
Always remembering James. "Some gave all."
AJ
August 27, 2013
We won't forget an American Hero.
August 28, 2012
August 28,2012
On the 5th anniversary of Sgt. James Collins passing, please be aware he has not been forgotten. We will forever be grateful for his military service and sacrifice for this nation.
July 14, 2012
You are still honored and remembered.
Peggy Childers
August 28, 2011
To the family and friends of Sgt. James S. Collins:
Please accept my remembrance of James on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
August 28, 2010
To the family and friends of Sgt. James S. Collins:
Remembering James on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Kevin Sadaj
June 16, 2010
I was just visitng the cemetary and came upon Sgt. Collins grave by accident. As a Marine, I was drawn to the Marine Corps flag at the headstone. Rest in peace Marine! You will not be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
August 29, 2009
To the family of Sgt. James S. Collins:
James gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Kenna Larra
December 15, 2008
We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families at this time. This is a Nonprofit Organization to honor are Soldiers!
FREE OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING OF THIS HERO. COMPLETE FORM AT WWW.HEROPAINTINGS.COM
Please contact us! Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna
In Memory of James ~ (Debra Estep)
August 28, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know James, but I am remembering
his service. He is my hero. !
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008
The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b
July 3, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Collins!
Dale Branske
June 20, 2008
To The Family of SGT Collins,
I am deeply sorry for your loss! My name is Dale and I am a member of a group called The Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run.Our group has built a Memorial dedicated to the men and woman who lost their lives in the conflicts in the middle east.Started in 2003 this is our 6th run. Each year we unfortunatly add more names of our Hero's.The wall as we call them are in Marsellies ,Ill.
Also each year there are dog tags made with each of our fallens names. I am proud to wear Sgt Collins! We thank you and your family Sgt. for the sacrafice you and your family have made for every American! God Bless and We WILL NEVER FORGET!!!
Dale Branske
Jeremy Horkey
January 6, 2008
Sgt. Collins, you are greatly missed. Since meeting you and serving with you, I feel deeply for your family. You are a great person, friend, and soldier. Look down on the rest of us and guide us. You will never be forgotten, and will be a part of my life forever. 'Till we meet again, my friend.
Chaplain Dan Gates, Georgia Society SAR
September 22, 2007
With the deepest regret, I have just learned of the death of Sergeant Collins. As a Vietnam Veteran and the State Chaplain of the Georgia Sons Of The American Revolution, I speak for our President, Charlie A. Newcomer, III and more than 1,400 SAR members around the State of Georgia in humbly expressing the condolences of a grateful Society. Wrapped in the integrity of service to our nation and the inestimable values of duty, honor and country, your American hero stood on a wall of freedom for us all. His life and his love of country epitomized every attribute of patriotism the Sons Of The American Revolution hold dear. And, as Americans, we could never repay the debt we owe him ..!! Nor the debt we owe you… his family!!!
Spc. Marty Beck
September 16, 2007
god speed sgt.Collins we your family at the 303rd will miss you ,we in the Motor pool salute you and hope that you will rest in pease and we will see you when we get up to stand on guard with the lord. my heart felt sympothy to your wife and son.
September 15, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Sgt Collins and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Dana Havron LTjg USN
September 12, 2007
Mrs. Collins, Dawson & family:
My family's deepest condolances on your tragic loss of James. I know you will always be proud of the many accomplishments in his life: an athlete, an outdoorsman, a Lake Superior State University graduate, a loving husband and father, a defender of freedom, and an American hero. God's Speed as you go forward with your lives, and have a positive outlook as I'm sure James would want. Very Respectfully,
September 9, 2007
I didn't personally know Sgt. Collins, but I do know your pain as I recently had a soldier killed in action. Many prayers from our family to yours for your sacrifice, and thank you so much for the hero the world was able know.
Sincerely,
Heidi Perry-Hipp
Calverton, NY
Proud Aunt of Spc. Matthew Murchison
KIA August 4, 2007 Baghdad
Tom Gugliuzza
September 7, 2007
My heartfelt sympathy to the Collins family in the loss of James. I did not know James, but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. James you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
"To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
debbi rivers
September 6, 2007
To the parents of James, I know how hard it is to loose your child to war. Your heart breaks and you have so many questions that are unanswered. I don't have those answers but as another Gold Star Mother I do have emotional support to offer you when the time comes and you want to reach out for someone who has gone through this same loss. Sometimes it is just better to be able to talk, cry or vent to another and I want you to know that I'm here for you. God has blessed me with the strength to do this and I'm thankful for that. May God give you and your family the comfort you deserve and His healing power to restore your broken heart.
In memory of my son SPC Harry (Buck) Winkler III KIA November 12, 2006 Samarra, Iraq
amy cleeves
September 5, 2007
As a mother of a recently deployed soldier stationed in Kirkuk, I have cried for your family all day. This has not been just a single week of pain but it starts when they get on the bus.. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. You raised such a brave young man.
Carol Raykovich
September 5, 2007
On behalf of the Jackson YMCA, we wish to send our sincerest condolences to Amy and her entire family. Our thoughts and prayers go with you!
Carol Cline
September 5, 2007
Sgt. James Collins and Family:
Know in your heart that you are a true hero and will never be forgotten. All gave some, some gave all. Rest in peace. You will be missed by everyone’s life you have touched.
To the family, as the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family, friends, and all Americans for the sacrifice of one of your family members for our freedom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father.
Sandy Bonesteel
September 4, 2007
As the mother of a son who is deployed, I want to send my condolences. Please know that there are many, many people who grieve with you.
Michael Stortz
September 3, 2007
I too am a member of the 303rd Military Police Co. in Jackson, MI, the very unit that Sgt. James Collins was part of. I met him just before he geared up and VOLUNTEERED to go overseas and serve this county, now i realize that i knew him for a short period of time, but within that short time period i realized how knowledgeable and dedicated to the Army he was. The troops that served with him and under his command were in good hands. He was always very helpful and the first to show you what too fix if you were doing something wrong. So, i know he was a great soldier and a good man, he will be missed by myself as well as my unit, and WE WILL NEVER FORGET HIS SACRIFICE.
God Bless
Spc. Michael S. Stortz
303rd Military Police CO.
Jackson,MI
September 3, 2007
To the Family and Friends of this Soldier:
I will stand in grief with this soldier's family to honor him. For every fallen HERO there is a bright star that shines in the evening sky to remind us of the cherished gift we were given – even if for too short a time.
My heart breaks again as I sign yet another guest book of another courageous young soldier who gave their life so selflessly. I wish I never found myself in a position to have to sign another guestbook for the rest of my life, but I promised Brent that neither he nor any like him would be forgotten and so I will continue until the day there is no longer the need.
We lost our son SFC Brent A. Adams on 12/1/05 and it seems like yesterday. I wish so badly there were things I could say to you right now to make the pain you are feeling go away, but I know first hand there simply are no words that will bring you the comfort and peace your heart aches for. Just know that you are not alone. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all as you go through this tragedy moment by moment and as you mourn this loss.
We don't know each other, will probably never meet, but will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes. We have, unfortunately joined a group none of us wanted to join, an ever-growing group of families in this situation. May God grant you peace and strength to get through this and be able once again to smile at a memory rather than have only the tears that flow so easily now. To be so proud of your loved one and so saddened at the same time is a mix of emotions very difficult to deal with as our hearts both burst with pride and pain together.
I am sorry that I never knew your soldier personally. While they can never be replaced, neither will they ever be forgotten. You must trust that sometime, someday the loving memories you have will help to sustain you and help you go on. This courageous soldier will forever be your Angel watching over you all for the rest of your lives. It's what brings me some measure of peace and comfort and I hope it will you as well.
To his family and friends in pain, I offer this comfort: When you find yourself in that dark sorrowful place, think not only of how you will miss him, but instead recall the years, days, hours and minutes gifted to you by his presence. The one thing that cannot be taken from you is your wonderful memories that now will mean more than ever.
If you ever want to talk, I'm only an e:mail away and would love for you to tell me more about your Hero.
God Bless this soldier and family who gave all and God Bless legacy.com for setting up this site where families can so quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves.
Proud Parents of SFC Brent A. Adams, KIA, 12/1/05, Ramadi, Iraq
Pam and Bill Adams, Lancaster, PA
SHIRLEY DONEY
September 2, 2007
REST IN PEACE JAMES, TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY THE MEMORIES OF THIS WONDERFUL SOLDIERS LIFE FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES
GOD BLESS YOU
ROBERT MANIS
September 2, 2007
I AM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.WE HAVE LOST ANOTHER HERO.BUT TAKE COMFORT HE IS SAFE,AND IN NO MORE PAIN .(HE IS WITH THE LORD )
debbi rivers
September 1, 2007
To the parents of James, I know how hard this is for you. As a Gold Star Mother the pain you feel at the loss of your son is more than you can bear but know that in time you will heal. I want to offer my emotional support to you as I feel that God has blessed me by reaching out to those families who are going through what I've one through. Please contact me when you're ready if you'd like someone to talk to or to vent to or even to cry with I'm here for you. May God give you His healing love and comfort that you so much need at this time.
In Memory of my son SPC Harry(Buck) Winkler III KIA Samarra, Iraq November 12, 2006
Henryk Zaleski (USN-Ret)
September 1, 2007
Rest in peace with our gratitude forever sealed on the pages of our history.
Arely Flores
September 1, 2007
I am sorry for the loss of your son. I thank God for men and women like him who give themselves unconditionally for their country. Sgt. Collins is a true hero. May God give you strength and comfort during these difficult times.
Arely Flores(aunt of Specialist Roberto Causor who met his creator on
July 7, 2007 in Samarra, Iraq
Gale Poindexter
August 31, 2007
I am writing to offer my condolences to you and your family over the loss of your HERO Sgt James S Collins. I lost my son in Iraq on May 6/2007, so I can well understand your pain of losing a loved one so dear.
When things settle down, I recommend that you contact a man named Michael Reagan @
www.michaelgreaganartist.com
He will draw one portrait of the fallen soldier. He does this for free and will draw any picture of your choosing. He has drawn presidents and other celebrities. My husband and I got one and it has helped me with the healing process. Michael is a truly gifted artist that captures the very essence of the person he draws. I look at my picture everyday and it gives me a connection that I cannot explain.
I pray you will be guided by a higher power to give you peace, comfort and strength in this time.
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
GOD Bless you and your family. Your soldier was a true American Hero and we are all very proud of his service.
(Proud mother of Sgt Joel W. Lewis, 5/20, 3-2 SBCT -KIA May 6/07, Baqubah, Iraq
Gale Poindexter
August 31, 2007
I am writing to offer my condolences to you and your family over the loss of your loved one Sgt James S Collins. I lost my son in Iraq on May 6/2007, so I can well understand your pain of losing someone very close.
When things settle down, I recommend that you contact a man named Michael Reagan @
www.michaelgreaganartist.com
He will draw one portrait of the fallen soldier. He does this for free and will draw any picture of your choosing. He has drawn presidents and other celebrities. My husband and I got one and it has helped me with the healing process. Michael is a truly gifted artist that captures the very essence of the person he draws. I look at my picture everyday and it gives me a connection that I cannot explain.
I pray you will be guided by a higher power to give you peace, comfort and strength in this time.
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit
GOD Bless you and your family. Your soldier was a true American Hero and we are all very proud of his service.
(Proud mother of Sgt Joel W. Lewis, 5/20, 3-2 SBCT -KIA May 6/07, Baqubah, Iraq
valorie
August 31, 2007
My prayers and thoughts are with you.
I know how you feel losing a "HERO",Becoming a "Gold Star" Mother myself on 25 March.. The sacrafice our sons and daughters are making on a daily basis should tell us all..These young HEROS knew full well what they were doing and did it proudly When you hug your loved ones tonight.... Remember... We also hugged ours and now they are protecting you..We.. as Americans need to make the "Ultimate Sacrafice" by supporting all our military(HEROS)...the Proud Mom of SGT. Jason W. Swiger
5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne,Fort Bragg, N.C. KIA 3/25/007
August 31, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON, a dear family friend who joined the Army with three other friends, one of whom is my son (Le Ron was killed in action on 07/06/07 at the age of 18) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Currently stationed in Germany
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
Garnet Jenkins
August 31, 2007
Please accept my deepest and most heartfelt sympathy regarding the loss of Sgt. James S. Collins, with so much gratitude for this Fine Young Soldier's Courage, Dedication and Service to our Country and for Freedom.
May James rest safely now, in God's Care and know that he is a True American hero, that shall Never Be Forgotten.
May the Peace of the Lord be with the Collins family.
There will Never Be Enough Ways, to Humbly Thank these Young Heroes, for their Sacrifices, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.
"And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes,
there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying,
there shall be no more pain.
For the former things have have passed away."
~ Revelations 21:4 ~
May you find peace in knowing the love and memories you have, will remain in your heart forever and that this Country Will Remember the Sacrifice that James has made.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Directors - Crooks Road2600 Crooks Road, Troy, MI 48084
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