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James Collin Obituary
James R. Collin
Resident of Palo Alto
May 5, 1939 - Oct. 2, 2010
On October 2, 2010, James Richard Collin, ended his courageous battle with cancer. He passed away at home with his family and loved ones by his side.
Jim leaves behind his loving wife of 3.5 years, Andrea Collin, four daughters, Cary Vierra (Tim), Laura Morin (Gary), Kelly Collin, and Jenn Byrd (Kenny), four handsome grandsons, and four beautiful great granddaughters. Jim was fortunate to have loved two beautiful women in his lifetime. His first wife of 45 years, Barbara Collin, precedes him in death. Jim had a large extended family, of which, many of the daughters' and grandsons' friends called him "Dad" or "Papa". He was a role model to many and a real family man.
Jim was born on May 5, 1939 in San Francisco, California. In 1960 he married and settled into their family home of Palo Alto, where they raised four daughters. The girls kept him busy with coaching Bobby-Sox softball, camping trips, 4H clubs and of course, BOYS! Jim worked at Hewlett Packard, where he met and kept many long-lasting friends. During that time he held many positions. Jim was the engineering manager for Precision Frequency Sources (PFS). He aligned Laser Interferomtry, quartz crystal and Cesium beam technologies to form a manufacturing group called Precision Components Manufacturing (PCM). He made life much easier for the production people with his innovative ideas, tools and fixtures. He retired after 35 years of service. In his spare time, he followed his passion onto the flying field where he amazingly built and flew quarter-scale electric model airplanes, which was unheard of at that time; he managed to get those giant monsters into the sky to fly with such grace and beauty. He was also an active member of the Tom Cat club.
In order to honor the wonderful, kind and gentle man that Jim was, a "Celebration of Life" memorial will be held at the Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Road, San Carlos, California, on Sunday, October 17th from 5:00 - 9:00pm. This will be a time to share stories, enjoy photos and remember the man Jim was, and will always be in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Camp Okizu. Please call 415.382.9083, or email, [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Collin
Annie Steele
October 7, 2011
It's so hard to believe it's been a year already. What a hard road for his girls; it speaks so highly of their character how they've endured! Especially my sweet friend Laura, I've felt your loss & pain intensely. Sending tons of love & supportive thoughts, as always, Annie
Robert Byrd
October 18, 2010
God Bless you and this family
Justine Taylor
October 18, 2010
I was welcomed into the home of Barb and Jim many years ago when I lived in Palo Alto,as a friend of Jenn. Growing up,although my home was in the UK, I always felt part of their loving family. I made two wonderful visits to the Collin Family in 1989 and 1992 and once again was welcomed with open arms full of love. I will always cherish those special memories and will continue to love my forever friend Jenn and her beautiful sisters. I love my 'California Family'! Thinking of you always xxx
Darlena Davis
October 17, 2010
Hi Jenn you and your family are on my mine today and the short time i knew your dad he was a very nice man with a warm heart and very caring to others. He loved family and i loved his and your mother's relationship they both had kind hearts and he loved colton i think he was the worlds proudest grandfather.rest in peace Mr Collin.
kathy Hayter
October 15, 2010
Although I have never met Jim I have met His Daughter Jenn and gorgeous grandson Colton. I believe we are who we are due to the love, kindness and life skills we learn from our parents and He must of been the best dad because his family have the kindest hearts.
Sending our love Kathy, steve and Jack.
Annie Steele
October 14, 2010
Jim Collin and I had one great thing in common. That was our love and admiration for his daughter, Laura. I am proud to have her friendship, and am grieving for her loss. Sending tons of love, and daily thoughts.
Dawn Simas
October 14, 2010
His greatest acheivement will live forever and that is the legacy he left behind in his beautiful daughters. He will be greatly missed.
This is Pop BBQing while we were camping up in Tahoe
Jenn Byrd
October 14, 2010
Becki Leavitt
October 14, 2010
There is no better testament to the life that Jim Collin lived than the family he left behind. His daughters, strong, loving and kind, will always remind us of him. Though I didn't know him well, the smile on his face was not one of politeness; it was one that radiated joy. The joy in his life, the joy in his family and the joy in his heart was pure and will remain the lasting gift he leaves behind.
Auntie Claudia and Pop
October 13, 2010
Dad & Cary
October 13, 2010
Dad & Laura
October 13, 2010
One of our many 4-wheeling camping excursions to the Merced River
October 13, 2010
Dad & Kelly
October 13, 2010
October 13, 2010
Papa & The Boyzzz!
Jenn Byrd
October 13, 2010
Piper & Collin
Jenn Byrd
October 13, 2010
Plane Happiness!
Jenn Byrd
October 13, 2010
45 years...Mom & Dad
Jenn Byrd
October 13, 2010
So handsome as a young lad!
Jenn Byrd
October 13, 2010
October 13, 2010
Granpa's love for people around him and his enthusiasm for life will be something that we will always remember him for. We are so thankful for all the wonderful memories! Sammie will forever know her greatgrandpa as her one and only plane buddy! He is missed! Love always Brian, Henriette, Sammie and Heidi
Chris Durietz
October 13, 2010
To my great uncle and God father: You are so missed already. I'm so happy to have had you in my life, even though we only saw each other sporadically. You were always so loving, so warm, so much fun to be around, and so full of ideas! It was like the time away, really didn't make a difference. I'll always be thankful for the good times that we had, and to have known such a wonderful, intelligent man. May your inspiring spirit live on, for all who knew you.
Laura Morin
October 13, 2010
Dad, I still can't believe you are no longer here.. I don't want to. but I have to .. SO I believe you are 'here' in some way to still watch over us. I miss you will always love you. I hope its nice where you are. Warm and full of love and all the gummi bears you want! Thank you for loving us, and supporting our dreams. I know you were proud. Thank you for opening our home and your heart to our friends.
We had so much growing up,...thank you. <3 Laura
October 13, 2010
Your love, your smile, your humor...all will be living memories in me for the rest of my life! I will always miss you and Grandma but will cherish all you shared with me forever. Thank you for being you, which was the best!
Love 'your girl',
Angie
Jerry Martinez
October 13, 2010
I am gald in my life time to know a great human being such as Jim. I worked for him for 6 years, and in my carrier never met a man who made you feel good everyday thank you Jim.---------Jerry
Paula Tonini
October 13, 2010
Growing up Jim was like my second dad. And what a great dad he was to all of his girls. He had the best smile and laugh. He was patient, kind, funny and fun. I will always miss him and Barb and will keep them both in my heart forever!
Dear Cary, Laura, Kelly and Jenn -
My thoughts are with you.
Love,
Paula
Karin Munoz
October 13, 2010
The best softball coach I ever had. He taught me skills for softball and he taught me how to love myself. I loved him.
Jenn Byrd
October 13, 2010
Dear Dad,
Thank you for always allowing me to try a little bit of everything, and then allowing me to discover, for myself, exactly what gives me "goosebumps" in life.
My favorite part about Christmas was our special dinner and shopping excursions to Mayfield Mall to buy Mom a present.
I will never forget our 4-wheeling trips into the canyon, especially when we all got stuck out on the rock with white water all around and you saved the day with some rope and STRONG knots, "JUMP"! We were doing the "Survivor" thing long before it became a popular reality TV show.
I'm pretty sure my love of "muscle" cars came from you (smile).
I still make "pro" and "con" lists when needing to make big decisions in life.
Thank you for teaching me about life through lily pads and those occasional "alligators" that come into your life and try to change your direction. Thank you for teaching me how to forgive, forget and grow.
I love you Pops!! xoxo
Kelly Collin
October 13, 2010
My Dad impacted many more lives than he ever could imagine or even knew about. He had 4 daughters, but adopted many more over the years. Too many to list, you know who you are.
Pop and his girls - 70th Birthday Party, 2009
Jenn Byrd
October 13, 2010
Pop and Jenn
Jenn Byrd
October 13, 2010
Papa and Colton
Jenn Byrd
October 13, 2010
Dad given loves to Ken
Jenn Byrd
October 13, 2010
Pop with his girls at Castle Air Force Base - May 2010
Jenn Byrd
October 13, 2010
Kirsten Cooper
October 12, 2010
The impact of that smile has no defining limits. Love you
B
Debi & Layni Powers
October 12, 2010
Papa's smile, laughter and arms will be missed so very much. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you. We love you.
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