James Sherlock Collins
December 19th, 1951 - December 2nd, 2022
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James's 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, Theresa (Jim) Costello, and Julie (Mark) Marshall; beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James, Sr., mother LaVerne, stepfather Patrick, and several step siblings.
Jim was born in Chicago to James Sherlock Collins, Sr. and LaVerne Murphy on December 19, 1951. The family lived in Evanston and Skokie. After his parents divorced, Jim moved with his mother and sister to the south side of Chicago. He became a Boy Scout, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. His mother married Patrick Showalter, enlarging the family. Pat got Jim involved in projects as their Beverly house was remodeled over several years. 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 and Marcia lived in the Beverly neighborhood for many years. They were active in St. Paul’s Bible Church. Jim also enjoyed participation in the local Thirteen Club with monthly discussions on a wide range of topics. After building a second home in Michigan, he used his building skills in Habitat for Humanity of Benton Harbor. Jim and Marcia also participated in Jimmy Carter Work Projects in Michigan, Mississippi, and California. 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. for Humanity 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 Those wishing to sign Jim’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinnger.com.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James, Sr., mother LaVerne, stepfather Patrick, and several step siblings.
Jim was born in Chicago to James Sherlock Collins, Sr. and LaVerne Murphy on December 19, 1951. The family lived in Evanston and Skokie. After his parents divorced, Jim moved with his mother and sister to the south side of Chicago. He became a Boy Scout, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. His mother married Patrick Showalter, enlarging the family. Pat got Jim involved in projects as their Beverly house was remodeled over several years. 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 and Marcia lived in the Beverly neighborhood for many years. They were active in St. Paul’s Bible Church. Jim also enjoyed participation in the local Thirteen Club with monthly discussions on a wide range of topics. After building a second home in Michigan, he used his building skills in Habitat for Humanity of Benton Harbor. Jim and Marcia also participated in Jimmy Carter Work Projects in Michigan, Mississippi, and California. 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. for Humanity 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 Those wishing to sign Jim’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinnger.com.
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