James Collier

James Lowell Collier, of Danville, passed away at 3:05 PM, Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at the Veterans Affair Illiana Health Care System, Danville. He was born in Springfield, IL on September 28, 1924, the son of Charles E. and Gertrude (Miller) Collier. Jim married Ann DeLeon on September 27, 1946 in Los Angeles, CA. He is survived by his wife, Ann of Danville, a daughter, Babette of Pennsylvania, three grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, one sister Betty Rose (James) Van Hook of Springfield, and dear friends, Amanda Lusk and family, Darius Webb and family and Mary Beth Tomlinson all of Danville. James was preceded in death by his parents, his son, James R. Collier and three brothers, Charles, Thomas, and John Collier. James was a graduate of Springfield Lamphier High School, Oklahoma State University with a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering, and Stanford University with a Masters Degree in Computer Engineering. He retired as Lt. Colonel from the United States Air Force with 25 Years of service. James served from 1942 to 1967, which includes World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. After his military service, he worked and retired from Hughes Aircraft with 15 years of service. Jim was a member of the Air Force Association and the American Legion. He enjoyed playing bridge, gardening, reading, and using the computer. A celebration of life for James Lowell Collier will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, March 17, 2008 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, with Father Greg Nelson officiating. Burial will be at Manns Chapel Cemetery, Rossville, Illinois. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com