James Howard Collins
August 30, 1931 ~ March 6, 2017
Resided in:
Weaverville, NC
James Howard Collins, 85, of Weaverville, formerly of Asheville, died Monday, March 6, 2017.
Born in Asheville, Mr. Collins was a son of the late Roy and Phyllis Collins. He was also preceded in death by a son, Darryl Reed Collins, sisters, Helen C. Van and Doris C. Wilson; and brothers, Glenn Collins and Wayne Collins.
He was raised at Eliada Home from the age of two to sixteen, and graduated from Asheville-Biltmore College and he was a Navy veteran. He worked for Southern Bell for 30 years and following that owned and operated Telephone Services and Equipment Co., as well as owning Collins Rental Properties.
He was a member of the Moose Lodge, the Elks Lodge, the Lions Club for the Blind, was active with the TPA, and he was a Mason and Shriner. He served as vice-president of the Asheville Labor Union, was a candidate for the Asheville City Council, was a candidate for both for the NC Senate and the NC House of Representatives.
Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Elaine Cole Collins; daughters, Cyndi Collins and Janet Kowalczyk (Aaron); son, Stephen Graham Collins (Penny McCain); grandchildren, Davina Amiri (fiancé Jacob Dale), Leia Amiri, Deanna Christifulli, Stephen Collins and Chad Collins, and Caitlin Clopton; and great-grandson, Nathan Collins.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home with burial to follow at Lewis Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
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Rip Howard you will be missed
Sorry to hear about Howard passing. We worked with each other at Ma Bell, and we would see each other when he came to Florida. Always enjoyed his company. He will be missed.
Dear Cindy and Family…I only new your dad briefly, but was a very nice man. My prayers and condolences for you and your family in your time of sorrow. I am sure he will be missed.
Jan and family,
So sorry for your loss just know he will be with you always. Keeping you in our prayers and thoughts. XXOO
Sending the Collins’ family love, peace and condolences. He was a remarkable man.
Love and condolences to the Collins family. Howard was a fine man and will be missed by everyone.
Gone to soon. Fly with the Angels!!!
Collins family. Howard had become like a another Dad to me. You all were so fortunate to have such a great man in your lives for so many years. I enjoy people who always are happy and make you laugh whenever you see them. I’m so sorry for your loss. Just remember he is always with you, because he made you who you are. Sorry I can’t be in Asheville to help celebrate his wonderful life.
Elaine ,Cyndi, Jan And Steve so sorry to hear of Howard’s passing. Your Dad was always such a sweetheart to me growing up. He was always so upbeat and funny and I always enjoyed being around him. He was one in a million and I am glad he was in my life. The world needs more Howard Collins’. God Bless you all. Will keep you all in my prayers.
Rest in Peace, Howard. It was my pleasure knowing this sweet southern gentleman. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Dear Jan and family, sitting here watching the beautiful tribute to a life well lived. Happy I had the chance to meet you sweet dad. You are all in my thoughts at this difficult time. Love, Dina Ciaglia
Elaine and family, Johnny and I are so sad to hear of Howard’s passing.
Johnny said ‘rest in peace, my friend.
Johnny and Doris Rigsby
Elaine, Cindy, Jan and Steve you are in our thoughts an prayers. Elaine, Gary and I are forever thankful to the Lord for allowing you and Howard to be our wonderful neighbors for so many years. We will always hold dear the precious memories of middle of the street visits, neighborhood cookouts and gatherings – Howard always enjoyed them so very much. May the Lord Jesus comfort you in this season and time of loss …… May coming days be filled with happy memories, to fill your heart with love that cannot be taken away.
My family and I are sorry for your loss, My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Howard was a wonderful person and I am glad he was in my familys life, he was a good friend and he will be missed
Brother Collins will be missed.
Sorry to hear of Howard’s passing. We were friendly competitors in the telephone business and worked together on some projects. He shared some of his telephone stories with me and gave me some items for my telephone museum.
DEAR FAMILY, HOWARD COLLINS WAS A DEAR FRIEND TO ME. WE SERVED IN THE LIONS CLUB TOGETHER AND SUPPORTED EACH OTHER IN BUSINESS. HE WAS STRAIGHT FORWARD AND KIND HEARTED. BLESSINGS TO YOU AND ALL OUR FRIENDS IN JESUS NAME, AMEN