James Odell Collins

James Odell Collins was born December 19, 1931, in Arapahoe, North Carolina. Odell, as he was called by his family, was the second oldest of 15 children born to the late James Henry Collins and Phoebe Blango-Collins. Odell attended Pamlico Central High School in Bayboro, NC. He was drafted into the United States Army when he was 19 years old. After his service, he returned home to help his mother care for his ill father and younger siblings. He married the love of his life, Sarah Elizabeth Tripp in 1952, and moved to Connecticut where they raised six children. With Sarah by his side, Odell opened his heart and home to his family migrating from the south, providing a place to stay or whatever support was needed; often putting their needs before his own. This tradition continued even until his death with his response to the question "How are you doing? " being, "I'm pretty good"; heading off others worrying about him. Odell was blessed to retire from Winchester Repeating Arms, New Haven, and Pratt & Whitney, North Haven, CT. A family man at heart, he remained very active in family gatherings and celebrations especially, the Blango-Collins family reunions. He could always be found with his brothers Richard and Ernest by the deep fryer. He was well known for his fish frying skills, and truly loved to see and hear everyone's compliments on the fish. Pop or Granddad, as he was so fondly called, was very active in the lives of his grandchildren. He became the pick-up and drop off cab. From sports to band rehearsals and concerts, he was there waiting to assure each got home safely. Odell loved to sing and was a devoted singer in the gospel group, The Collins Brothers. "One Day at a Time" and "I've Decided to Follow Jesus" were songs he often took lead on. He was shy, but never backed away when it was his turn to lead. As an active member of Pitts Chapel Unified Freewill Baptist Church, Odell was a member of the Male Chorus and Outreach Ministry. He would pick up and distribute food in his van, always calling everyone he knew, assuring there was no need overlooked. He remained faithful and attended church as often as was physically possible, even getting rides with other members when available. He was preceded in death by his wife Sarah, son Dallas Collins and daughter Laura Collins-Moye; his great granddaughter, Elena Hernandez; his parents: James Henry Collins and Phoebe Blango-Collins-Randall; brothers: Thomas Richard, Wilbert, Calvin, Dallas Collins and four sisters: Baby Girl, Naomi, Katiebell and Phoebe Lennetta Collins; bonus father: Herbert Randall; bonus siblings: Herbert Clinton, Gaston, Edward Earl, Evelyn Randall and Wilson Miller. Odell leaves to treasure his memory, his children: James Odell (Donarine) Collins, Jr. of Greenville, NC, Herman Jeffrey (Lorna) Collins of Phoenix, AZ, Barbi Lynn Collins of Virginia Beach, VA, and Kenneth Leon Collins of Derby, CT; siblings: Charlie "Jack" (Cornelia) Collins of Felton, Delaware; Clarence (Evangelist Mary Frances) Collins, Ernest (Overseer Annette) Collins both of Hamden, CT; Persivia (Nona) Collins, Bishop Eugene Collins both of New Haven, CT.; Shirley Mae Whitney of Arapahoe, NC; bonus siblings: Sultan, Ruth Randall of CT and a Special Friend of his heart, Perleatheia "Lisa" White. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Toya, Christopher, Jason, James III, Janell, Troy, Kyle, Anosha, LaTaysha, Bryce, Jasmine, Veoncee and Kayden; great grandchildren: Hailey, Christian, Sebastian, Elijah, Jada, Moriah, Hunter, August, Micah, Haaze, Ezra, Khyleena; along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.