James Patrick "Jim" Collins

COLLINS _ James Patrick (Jim) passed away November 28, 2004 at St. Vincent's Langara, Vancouver. His family was with him and his passing was peaceful, following several years of declining health. Born March 30, 1915 on the Collins family farm in Odell, Illinois, Jim's branch of his large Irish American family moved to Rosser, Manitoba when he was a year old. He attended school in St. Boniface, Manitoba, excelling in football, hockey and French. At 17 years of age Jim moved to Stonewall, Manitoba as his father Charles F. Collins left farming and purchased a Case Farming Equipment Dealership. During his final year of high school in Stonewall, Jim met and fell in love with Margaret Cooper. They were married in 1938 and celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on November 26th. Jim joined the RCAF in 1939 and was stationed at Sea Island BC. He then embarked on a long career in vocational education in Vancouver, including becoming the original Coordinator of the Vancouver Vocational Institute in 1949. He later entered private business and enjoyed many productive years with DeVry Technical Institute. These career experiences led Jim to positions as a Vocational Rehabilitation Consultant with the CNIB and the Workman's Compensation Board. Jim is survived by his loving wife Margaret (Peggy); daughters, Jeanette (Gerry) Hildebrand, Debbie (Chris) Kelly and son Dick (Cynthia); grandchildren Mary (Bob Jonker), Jane and John (Elvia Flores) Hildebrand, Jeff (Lynette) Collins, Kathy (Brent) Valente, Simon and Alyson Kelly; great-grandchildren Benjamin and Claire Jonker, Hannah Collins and Jenna Valente; his sister Theresa Beck of Lockport, Illinois; brother Bill Collins of Stonewall, Manitoba, as well as nieces, nephews and their families. Jim was predeceased by his parents Charles and Ellen Collins; brothers Frank Collins, Al and Joe Moran and sister Kathleen Nichol. A celebration of Jim's life will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 18 at St. Vincent's Langara, 255 W. 62nd Ave., Vancouver. The family is deeply grateful to the staff of the Birch Unit at Langara for their caring support for Jim and Margaret over the past four years, and their compassion during our recent loss. Remembrance donations may be made to the B.C. Children's Hospital Foundation (Children's Diabetic Clinic), 4480 Oak Street, Room B321, Vancouver, B.C., V6H 3V4.