Obituary for Jim Thomas Collins
Jim Thomas Collins, 70 of Mountainburg, AR passed away Friday, January 21, 2023 in Van Buren, AR where he closed his eyes one last time and opened them in the presence of the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:7) Something he had dreamed about for many years. He was born August 22, 1952 in Fort Smith, AR and was preceded in death by his parents John and Mildred Collins and his brother Johnny Collins.
Jim is survived by his wife of 38 years, Connie Collins of the home, his sister Vera Mae Collins of Booneville, AR his children, Jennifer and Allen Hutchins of Uniontown, AR, Andrew and Amanda Collins of Roland, OK & Galina Gibson of Eudora, AR, 6 grandkids and 3 great grandkids.
He was a kind and encouraging husband, father and friend. His love for the Lord was contagious as he had a servant’s heart and lived 1 Peter 4:10 “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of Gods varied Grace.”.
Jim served as the Pastor of Cross Lanes Community Church in Kibler, AR. He was also a hardworking and dedicated employee of SSI in Fort Smith for many years. There wasn’t anything Jim couldn’t or wouldn’t fix. He served the residents of Alma Health Care not only by keeping the building and yard in top shape but also spending time loving and praying with the staff and residents.
Jim and Connie lived a full life. The Lord Blessed them both as He surrounded them with so many precious family members and friends. The last few years they enjoyed traveling with Peggy, Richard and Earlene, Connie’s precious sisters and brother-in-law. Over the years they stayed busy with mission work, hunting, fishing, camping, boating, scuba diving, traveling, flying their Cesena airplane and long rides at White Rock on their mules together. Jim felt so at peace at their cabin in Bidville as his memories one at a time slipped away from him. Two things that he didn’t forget were his love for Connie and the Lord.
Above all Jim spent his life sharing the love of Jesus with others. He loved the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind and strength and he loved his neighbor as himself as we see in Mark 12.
He loved others well and was so loved by everyone who knew him.
Visitation with friends and family will be Wednesday, January 25, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Funeral will be Friday, January 27, 2023 at Ocker Memorial Chapel in Van Buren with burial at Gill Cemetery in Van Buren under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home.
Jim is survived by his wife of 38 years, Connie Collins of the home, his sister Vera Mae Collins of Booneville, AR his children, Jennifer and Allen Hutchins of Uniontown, AR, Andrew and Amanda Collins of Roland, OK & Galina Gibson of Eudora, AR, 6 grandkids and 3 great grandkids.
He was a kind and encouraging husband, father and friend. His love for the Lord was contagious as he had a servant’s heart and lived 1 Peter 4:10 “As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of Gods varied Grace.”.
Jim served as the Pastor of Cross Lanes Community Church in Kibler, AR. He was also a hardworking and dedicated employee of SSI in Fort Smith for many years. There wasn’t anything Jim couldn’t or wouldn’t fix. He served the residents of Alma Health Care not only by keeping the building and yard in top shape but also spending time loving and praying with the staff and residents.
Jim and Connie lived a full life. The Lord Blessed them both as He surrounded them with so many precious family members and friends. The last few years they enjoyed traveling with Peggy, Richard and Earlene, Connie’s precious sisters and brother-in-law. Over the years they stayed busy with mission work, hunting, fishing, camping, boating, scuba diving, traveling, flying their Cesena airplane and long rides at White Rock on their mules together. Jim felt so at peace at their cabin in Bidville as his memories one at a time slipped away from him. Two things that he didn’t forget were his love for Connie and the Lord.
Above all Jim spent his life sharing the love of Jesus with others. He loved the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind and strength and he loved his neighbor as himself as we see in Mark 12.
He loved others well and was so loved by everyone who knew him.
Visitation with friends and family will be Wednesday, January 25, 2023 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Funeral will be Friday, January 27, 2023 at Ocker Memorial Chapel in Van Buren with burial at Gill Cemetery in Van Buren under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home.