Search by Name

Search by Name

James Collins Obituary

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

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Dec. 7, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for James Collins

Not sure what to say?





Philip Ruffat

December 10, 2022

I had the distinct pleasure of working physically close to Jim at Citi (sat directly across for many years). A true Renaissance man, our talks spanned the gamut of economics, biology, philosophy, art, authors, etc. I was fortunate enough to know this incredible person, truly a sad day for me as I was always hoping to reconnect with him soon. I will miss my friend and former colleague. Prayers to his family.

Angela H

December 9, 2022

My deepest condolences to the Collins family. I will always remember Jim always having a mischievious twinkle in his eye all the time. Such a great mentor and co-worker.

Heidi and David Collins

December 9, 2022

Marcia, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Jim will always be in our prayers.

We wish we could attend his service today but Heidi is dealing with Covid.

However, we will be making
a donation to the Violet Foundation in Jim's memory.

Hopefully, we can catch up in the future as we too have lost both Michael and Mark during this and past years.

Take care, stay strong!

Sharon G

December 8, 2022

I had the pleasure of working with Jim at Citi. He is someone you could talk to and willing to listen and help you in anything. He is a truly class act. My deepest condolences to the Collins Family.

Bobbo

December 8, 2022

Great guy great Citizen and extremely funny enjoyed every interaction I had with him

Sterling J Smith

December 7, 2022

I knew Jim for Citi, he was a fine fine person and will be missed by all he knew him. My condolences to all.

Fowler Counsins

December 7, 2022

The Fowler cousins are sending prayers and hugs to the family. A donation was made to the Violet Foundation in Jim's memory.

Lora

December 7, 2022

May God´s loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very difficult time. Matthew 5:4

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

Make a Donation
in James Collins's name

Memorial Events
for James Collins

Dec

9

Service

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

St. Paul's Bible Church

1960 W. 94th St., Chicago, IL

Dec

9

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

St. Paul's Bible Church

1960 W. 94th St., Chicago, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Starks & Menchinger Chapel - Saint Joseph

2650 Niles Rd, Saint Joseph, MI 49085

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Collins's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more