James Ray "Jim" Collins

June 24, 1941 September 28, 2015 Wallace, Ind. - James Ray (Jim) Collins.... Loving family surrounded Jim as he passed into Heaven. Fighting a month long battle, following a stroke, which developed many complications, he peacefully left us for his heavenly home. Broken hearted, because we had him no longer, we rejoiced in knowing where he was going. Two weeks prior, Jim rededicated his heart to the Lord. We are at great peace with this. Born at home, June 24, 1941, outside of Wallace, In, to Richard Dean and Doris (Allen) Collins, he was to be the big brother to Margaret Miller of Crawfordsville; Kay (Jack) Mears of Covington and Rick (Diane) Collins of Danville, Ca. Father to Philip Ray (Connie) Collins of Wallace and Lisa Marie Cook of Kingman. Grandfather to 11 and Great Grandfather to 12. Surviving also are 4 special nieces and 1 special nephew, brother-in-law, Jim (Sheila) Jones of Perrysville and many cousins, who all had a special place in his heart. Jim and Nancy (Jones) Collins were married October 18, 1986, outside on a beautiful fall afternoon in their backyard. They were to write many chapters in their book of 29 years together. Much happiness and love, some sadness, sickness and disappointments, but filled with a great love for each other. She survives. Graduating in 1959 from Wallace High School, as a standout basketball player, he loved remembering the old days of basketball, baseball and softball. An avid Cubs, IU, Jeff Gordon and Peyton Manning fan, he also loved euchre games and wintering in Wildwood, Fl. He had an infectious smile, adorned with dimples, a distinctive laugh and voice that everyone recognized. In the car business for most of his life, having worked in Brazil, Rockville, Covington and Cayuga. He was a people person, and never met a stranger. An abundance of friends would be his legacy. His dad once told him "If you die with at least 5 good close friends, you will have been a successful man", he far surpassed this total. Rest in Peace, Jim, knowing you were loved by many. We welcome all to a "Celebration of Life" service, Saturday, October 24, 2015 at 3:00 pm at the Stringtown Church of God, 7 miles South of Covington. The service will be conducted by Pastor Keith Klossner of Stringtown and Pastor Chuck Callahan of Crawfordsville. DeVerter Funeral Home in Cayuga is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences: www.deverterfuneralhome.com.