James Richard Collins, 74

James Richard Collins, 74, of Polson, and formerly of Farmington Hills, Mich., passed away at his Polson home on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010. James was born on Aug. 20, 1936, in Boston, a son of the late John and Elizabeth Collins. He attended Boston College High School, graduating in 1954, and later went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts degree in finance from Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Mass., graduating in 1958. James then enlisted in the U.S. Army that same year and served until his honorable discharge in 1962. Jim worked for General Motors and Honeywell in Boston and Michigan during his career. Jim s faith was very important to him and was a devout, lifelong member of the Catholic Church. He enjoyed sports, especially coaching youth hockey and baseball. Jim energetically and loyally followed the Boston Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, New England Patriots and the Boston College Eagles, in particular their outstanding men s hockey program. He was an avid reader, an amateur historian, particularly in American and Irish history. Easy with a conversation and a smile and generous with his friendly and energetic spirit, Jim was an adored friend to many. He also doted on his three kitties. Jim was always fun-loving and, above all else, cherished his wife, children and grandchildren. Besides his parents, Jim was also preceded in death by a son, James Richard Collins Jr. Those left with cherished memories are his loving wife, Jean Collins, of Polson; a daughter, Mary Collins Kelly, and Brian, of Whitefish; three sons, Kevin and Christine Collins of Chicago, John Collins of Essex, and Michael and Dina Collins of Chicago; a sister, Mary Reanie King, of Arlington, Mass.; and a brother, John and Carol Collins, of Falmouth, Mass. Additionally, Jim leaves behind seven very dear grandchildren, seven nieces and nephews, and a multitude of grandnieces and nephews. Visitation for Jim s friends and family will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Polson. A vigil service will begin at 7 p.m. that evening. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 18, with Father James Connor presiding. Interment with military rites will follow at Lakeview Cemetery, Polson. In lieu of flowers, Jim s family has requested that expressions of sympathy be made in the form of a memorial contribution to either the Whitefish Christian Academy Scholarship Fund, 820 Ashar Ave., Whitefish, MT 59937; or to St. Jude Children s Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for the Collins family.