John M. Collins

John Martin Collins, 56, surrounded by his family, peacefully died on November 17, 2023. John was born November 30, 1966, in Kansas City MO. He lived most of his youth in Overland Park KS. When his family relocated to North Carolina in 1983 he attended Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh and graduated in 1985. He graduated from North Carolina State University in 1989. John had a lifetime love of sports but none more than baseball and golf. As a senior in high school, he played on the school’s baseball team with his twin brother Tom and younger brother Michael, a lifelong memory he cherished. John had a passion for golf and played whenever he could. His game improved over the years, and he very proudly hit his first and only hole-in-one in May 2006 at Deer Brook Golf Club.

John is preceded in death by his parents John and Carol Collins. He is survived by his children Erin, Emily, John, and Meagan. He leaves his siblings Maggie Bradley (James), twin brother Tom (April), Michael (Kate), and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends all over the country. The family would like to thank his former wife and friend Inge Connolly Collins for her unwavering faith, support, and prayers during these last few months of John’s illness.

The vigil will be Friday, November 24 from 4-6 pm at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Road, Kansas City, MO. Mass of Christian Burial will be at Curé of Ars Catholic Church, 9401 Mission Road, Leawood, KS at 10 am Saturday, November 25 with burial following at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to Wendover Hospice House, 953 Wendover Heights Dr., Shelby, NC 28150.

John, you were our brother, father, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. May you rest in eternal peace on a beautiful beach with your toes in the sand. Give Mom and Dad a hug from all of us.