James married Dorothy Peterson Collins on September 11, 1954. They were married 68 years. They were blessed with 2 children: Vicki Lyn Collins Barker & James Randall (Randy) Collins.
James was in construction his entire life, working on homes, hotels, motels, schools, apartments, bridges, and many other jobs. He worked for several companies before he and his brother Jr. opened up Collins Construction Company. Later after Jr. was unable to work, James renamed the company Collins and Son Construction Company and worked with his son, Randy.
After James retired, he spent almost every week day at the Pasadena Town Square Mall walking and visiting with friends. He also started working out at the Church with friends several days a week. He did this until he was diagnosed with cancer in 2018.
James loved people, he loved to tell jokes and make people laugh. He never met a stranger. James loved to pick at his grandchildren and to aggravate his Dottie Belle most of all.
Dad had lots of sayings... My (Vicki) favorite was "You gotta be Joshing". This is where his grandson, Joshua's name came from.
Another one was " I don't like rushing into things" when Dottie Belle would ask him to do something around the house. Or if anyone passed gas, he would say "It smells like strawberry ice cream" just to get a laugh out of the grandkids. He loved his Grandchildren!
James' favorite things to do after getting sick was relaxing and watching Westerns.
James is survived by his wife, Dorothy B. Collins, his daughter, Vicki Barker & husband Stephen of Pasadena, TX, son James Randall (Randy) Collins & wife Yolanda of Deer Park, TX.
Grandchildren: Sherry Bergeron & husband James, Tasha Walker & husband Paul, Chase Reeder, Joshua Barker & wife Amber, Randee Collins, & Colten Collins.
Great Grandchildren: Bailee, Dustin, Hailey, Ashlee, Shania, Paeton, Kyley, Ty, Tucker, Suzie-Lou & Sophia.
Great Great Grandchildren: Soli & Rhett
Sister: Juanita James and numerous nieces and nephews.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Pearl & Onnie Collins, Sr, His sister Trunell Perry, brothers, Warren Collins, Wallace Collins, Leon Collins, Martin Collins, and Onnie Collins, Jr, granddaughter, Donna Olive and great grandson, Stephen Davis.
James was the best at everything he did, baseball coach, carpenter, husband, dad, friend, brother, uncle, & Pawpaw.
He loved life. He never met a stranger and was loved by all who knew him. We will all miss you and your corny jokes. Love you always.
Services will be officiated by Kelly Barker.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grandviewfunerals.com for the Collins family.
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