James Robert Collins II, known to his family and friends as Bob, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2020. Bob was 61 years old.
Bob was born May 3, 1958 in Pecos, Texas to J.R. and Marian (Hambrice) Collins. He graduated from Perryton High School in 1976 and Abilene Christian University in 1980. Bob moved to Redwood City, California after college and worked as a project manager for a software firm for several years. He later earned a graduate degree from Pepperdine University in California.
Growing up, Bob and his father, J.R. were very active in scouting. A highlight of Bob’s scouting career was a trip to Canada where he and J.R. backpacked, camped and canoed in the wild. Bob spent many summers at the Boy Scout Camp in Philmont. Bob enjoyed golf and carried his clubs in his trunk during his travels, just in case he came across a golf course.
Bob lived in several places throughout his life, including California, Kansas and Texas. The son of a preacher, Bob was a devout Christian and lifelong member of the Church of Christ. Bob was always a part of the church community wherever he lived and enjoyed preaching, teaching and had a special gift for leading singing. Bob was a committed caregiver to his father and provided essential comfort and companionship during J.R.’s last years. After J.R.’s death, Bob decided to follow a new calling and became a chaplain. Unfortunately, soon after Bob suffered a stroke and returned to Perryton where he lived his last few years.
Bob was a quiet person, perhaps because he grew up as the only boy in a house full of girls, but he was also quick-witted, funny and talented. Bob had a beautiful voice and was a lifelong scholar, with God and the Bible being his favorite subject. Over the years, Bob used his strengths to are for and encourage those around him in his own unique way and shared God’s message with countless people from all walks of life.
Bob is reunited with his parents and his sister, Pam Holiday, who predeceased him. Bob is survived by three sisters, Mary Gosvenor and her husband, Truman of Chidester, Arkansas, Sally Collins of Cotopaxi, Colorado and Missy McCallie and her husband, Billy of Perryton; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Bob will always have a special place in their hearts.
Private funeral arrangements will be held in Arkansas at a later date. The family suggests donations in Bob’s memory to the Boys Scouts of America (Golden Spread Council) or church or charity of one’s choice.
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