Obituary for James Collins
Oquossoc - James Patrick Collins, 78, of Oquossoc, went home to be with the Lord on Oct. 7, 2023, surrounded by his loving family at his home after a long battle with cancer.
He was born Nov. 29, 1944 in Lewiston, a son of James and Louise (Shaw) Collins and graduated from Cape Elizabeth High School in 1963. after graduation he and his parents opened Merrill's Lunch on Oak Street in Portland. Together they ran the diner until 1967. In 1965, Jim joined the United States Coast Guard and served on the USCG Escanaba as a cook, reaching the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class.
On September 9, 1965, he married the love of his life, Beverly Crosman. Together, they eventually settled in his family home in Cape Elizabeth where they raised their four children. In 1967, Jim joined the Portland Fire Department. He served in the company for several years, reaching the rank of Lieutenant before being promoted to the Fire Prevention Bureau which he ran until his retirement in 1989.
In his younger years, Jim was an avid outdoorsman. He spent many years enjoying hunting trips with his friends at his camp in Rangeley. Upon his retirement, he an Beverly moved to Rangeley and started Collins Labor Service. He also was active in the Rangeley Volunteer Fire Department for many years.
Jim was a proud father and grandfather who loved spending time with his family. He was a man of deep faith; his belief in Jesus Christ helped him through his final journey.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Beverly of Oquossoc; sister, Ellen (Collins) Cleaves of Milbridge; children and their spouses, Kimberly and Bill Patterson of Windham, Karen Tooley and Dennis Jordan of South Thomaston, Rebecca and paul Steward of Oquossoc, and Michael and Amy Collins of Westbrook; 5 grandchildren, Andrew Martin, Allison Steward, Jonathan Jacques, James Colllins, and Kaitlyn Collins; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother-in-law, Harold Cleaves.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Hospice Team that kept him comfortable at home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who desire consider memorial gifts in his memory to Androscoggin Home Health Care and Hospice, 15 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston, ME 04240.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated Saturday, Oct. 21 at 11 am from Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church, 39 Rangeley Ave., Oquossoc. Family and friends are invited to the family home, 1 Oxford Street, immediately following services. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Rangeley. Memories may be shared in his Book of Memories at www.wilesrc.com. Wiles Remembrance Center of Farmington is honored to be caring for cremation and memorial services.
He was born Nov. 29, 1944 in Lewiston, a son of James and Louise (Shaw) Collins and graduated from Cape Elizabeth High School in 1963. after graduation he and his parents opened Merrill's Lunch on Oak Street in Portland. Together they ran the diner until 1967. In 1965, Jim joined the United States Coast Guard and served on the USCG Escanaba as a cook, reaching the rank of Petty Officer 2nd Class.
On September 9, 1965, he married the love of his life, Beverly Crosman. Together, they eventually settled in his family home in Cape Elizabeth where they raised their four children. In 1967, Jim joined the Portland Fire Department. He served in the company for several years, reaching the rank of Lieutenant before being promoted to the Fire Prevention Bureau which he ran until his retirement in 1989.
In his younger years, Jim was an avid outdoorsman. He spent many years enjoying hunting trips with his friends at his camp in Rangeley. Upon his retirement, he an Beverly moved to Rangeley and started Collins Labor Service. He also was active in the Rangeley Volunteer Fire Department for many years.
Jim was a proud father and grandfather who loved spending time with his family. He was a man of deep faith; his belief in Jesus Christ helped him through his final journey.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Beverly of Oquossoc; sister, Ellen (Collins) Cleaves of Milbridge; children and their spouses, Kimberly and Bill Patterson of Windham, Karen Tooley and Dennis Jordan of South Thomaston, Rebecca and paul Steward of Oquossoc, and Michael and Amy Collins of Westbrook; 5 grandchildren, Andrew Martin, Allison Steward, Jonathan Jacques, James Colllins, and Kaitlyn Collins; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother-in-law, Harold Cleaves.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Hospice Team that kept him comfortable at home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those who desire consider memorial gifts in his memory to Androscoggin Home Health Care and Hospice, 15 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston, ME 04240.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated Saturday, Oct. 21 at 11 am from Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church, 39 Rangeley Ave., Oquossoc. Family and friends are invited to the family home, 1 Oxford Street, immediately following services. Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Rangeley. Memories may be shared in his Book of Memories at www.wilesrc.com. Wiles Remembrance Center of Farmington is honored to be caring for cremation and memorial services.