Jim R. Collins

Jimmie Ray Collins (Jim), 70, passed away on May 30, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Fort Walton Beach, FL on April 24, 1952, to the late Cecil Raymond (Ray) and the late Shirley Ann Collins, he was the first of their five children. Jim was quite loving and protective of four sisters that followed him. He spent his childhood in Memphis, TN where his strongest passion got its start—music. Originally enamored with the piano, in elementary school Jim came to a crossroad when he considered giving up the instrument. Thankfully, a talk with his wise grandmother set him firmly on the path to becoming a gifted pianist. As a young teenager, Jim enjoyed playing the keyboard in his band, The Earlee Tymes. Whether competing in the Tennessee Battle of the Bands or playing for special events, Jim always enjoyed performing.

When the family relocated to Jacksonville, FL in 1968, sixteen-year-old Jim was an established performer who became the go-to piano accompanist for his new school’s choir and at talent shows. Throughout his high school years at Nathan Bedford Forrest, Jim played football and was voted Most Talented by his senior class. After high school, Jim attended Florida State University and was a member of Kappa Alpha Order. He also attended St. Louis Conservatory of Music to continue developing his musical talent. He spent his career as a Consultant for Computer Power, Incorporated, in Jacksonville, which allowed him to travel extensively and explore many new cities. Jim enjoyed traveling, but he always made time to play golf and spend holidays and special occasions with his friends and family.

An avid Seminole fan, Jim never missed an opportunity to support his team. He was a member of the FSU Booster Club and proudly displayed his Seminole memorabilia. Truly a dog person, Jim loved spending time with his cocker spaniel, Dixie Lee, and his beloved Basenji, Mayday. A gifted musician and phenomenal composer, Jimmie Ray Collins leaves behind a legacy of beautiful music, from exceptionally well-played classical pieces to many original compositions, all of which have been copyrighted and published to his YouTube channel for everyone to enjoy.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Kim Collins Alexander. Survivors include three sisters: Jan Collins Sexton (Carl), Jacksonville, FL, Ann Collins (John), Hoffman Estates, IL, and Jil Collins Gartner (Rick), Plano, TX. Other survivors include two nieces and three nephews: Kyle and Kailyn Sexton, Jacksonville, FL, and Christopher, Joshua, and Jil Collins, Hoffman Estates, IL, and two great-nephews: Blake and Bryce Sexton, Jacksonville, FL, as well as extended family.

Visitation will be Tuesday, June 7 at 1:00 pm followed by the service at 2:00 pm at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL. Flowers are welcome, or in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.