Robert James "Jim" Collins

For Jim, every day was seen as a gift from God and he was thankful for every detail, every offering, whether a pretty bird or a cup of coffee served. He loved boats and being out on the water to fish or just put around a lake. He read boating books cover to cover to see what the latest test results were and the favourite vessel was always a trawler.

Growing up in very humble beginnings with no father, Jim looked for role models. He was constantly searching for honourable men to learn from and he valued women long before women’s liberation came into fashion, as he and his brother Larry had been raised by his mother and aunt.

A shy young boy, he was taught by the nuns at Catholic boy’s school and learned that prayer to God was real, that you could pray any time of day or night, anywhere. With the many hardships faced, he forged a deep relationship with Jesus Christ seeing prayers answered, not always the way he thought they would be. Prayer was an anchor all his life. He cherished the four Gospels reading them over and over throughout his life, finding meaning and application for everyday situations.

Jim thought about becoming a priest. His other dream was to become a doctor, but with no means, he went to work in retail sales at Agnew-Surpass Shoe store where he learned about business. He worked diligently for eighteen years and then went on to work at Eaton’s for sixteen years showing his business acumen and becoming a store manager.  

Music was Jim’s passion and it was discovered by a nun that he had a beautiful voice. He was soon singing in the Men’s choir at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

At age 30 Jim was invited to audition for a singing role in the musical ‘Brigadoon’ in 1971 and from then on for the next 40+ years, he performed in amateur, semi-pro & professional roles. He was trained as a tenor soloist, sang lead in many bands, choral groups and choirs. His music library was eclectic.

In later years, he spent more time searching out inspirational music for the church which also led him to become a Lay Reader in the Anglican Church where he studied the Bible in depth, facilitated Bible studies and took services. His focus moved more to the eternal.

Jim’s last day was a fine, sunny day, a bike ride with dear friends, a lunch picnic along the way and a treat of cheesecake and coffee at the end. After coming home, putting the bikes away, taking out the garbage and recycling with Michele, they sat down on the sofa to watch the news. In an instant, he was gone. When Jesus calls….

We as a family are thankful for all the days we had with him. We are heartbroken but know we will see each other again, in heaven.

Jim leaves behind Michele, his wife and soulmate of 25 years, his beloved brother Larry (Judy), his deeply loved children Angie (Bill) and Shane (Stacey), step-children Heidi (Justin), Daniel (Reiann), Jeremy and grandchildren Dallas (Taylor), Chris, Keelin, step-grands Abby, Jackson, Mattie, Maddox and Alex as well as his many other treasured family members and friends.

Thank you to the Bracebridge paramedics, the Huntsville OPP, Const. Ben Copeland, Nurses Maria and Connie & Dr. Tim Ryan. Thank you to all who have reached out in love, kind words and comfort in so many different ways.

A Memorial Service will be held at All Saints’ Anglican Church, 30 High Street, Huntsville, ON on Friday, August 25th at 1 p.m. Interment for the family will follow at Ilfracombe Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to All Saints’ Anglican Church, Huntsville.