James E. Collier

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sandra; siblings Mary Twitty of Magnolia, Arkansas, and Dwight (Barbara) of Haughton, Louisiana and mother-in-law, Dorothy Jacks. A daughter and son, Lezley (Greg) and Lane (Allyson) Collier; grandchildren, Caitlin (Charles) Elam and Griffin James Collier; two great granddaughters, Brenley Renee and Brooke Lane Elam and a host of nieces; great nieces and nephews and great, great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Renée; an infant grandson, J. Thomas Lewis, Jr., and his parents, G.E. and Marie Collier of Springhill, Louisiana.

Born on August 8, 1938 in Stamps, Arkansas, Jim grew up in Springhill, Louisiana, the oldest of three children. He moved to Jacksonville, Texas to attend Jacksonville Baptist College where he met Sandra Ashby. They were married on August 26, 1960, at Central Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas. They moved to Springhill, Louisiana in 1962 where he worked for the International Paper Company and completed his Bachelor of Business at Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia. They returned to Lubbock in 1967 where they continue to live until his passing.

Jim worked as the Regional Business Director for the Texas Department of Human Services until his retirement in 2001. He spent many hours during tax season assisting and completing tax returns for friends. Jim and Sandra enjoyed traveling in their RV. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he served as the lay minister of music for Southwest Baptist (now Lakeridge Baptist), Central Baptist and Melonie Park Baptist Church and served as a deacon. He would lead the church singing and Sandra would provide the organ accompaniment. Jim loved the church and the music programs; always willing to contribute and be a part. At his death, Jim served as a deacon at Southcrest Baptist Church.

Jim was a devoted husband and father who took great joy in his family. He exemplified an unwavering Godly life instilling Christian values and attributes in his family.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 30, 2021 at Resthaven Funeral Home.

Celebration of Life Service will be held at Southcrest Baptist October 01, 2021 at 10:00 a.m., 3801 S. Loop 289. Live stream services at Southcrestlive.tv.

Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Please visit www.resthavenfuneralhome.com for online tributes.

Deepest appreciation is extended to the staffs of Crown Point Health Suites, Lubbock, Covenant Hospital and Kidney Care Center for their kindness and excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jim may be made to the Music Ministry of Southcrest Baptist Church.