TODAY’S OBITS
• James Luke Collins
James Luke Collins of West Chester, PA, accepted Jesus, his best friend’s hand, in death on October 30, 2018.
Jimmy was born in New York City on October 3, 1936, the only son of Rose Ellen, “Rosie,” and James of Elmhurst in Queens, NY (originally from County Carlow in Ireland). He’s predeceased by his older sisters, Mary, Helen, and Patricia. For the better part of his life he was lovingly devoted to the welfare of his family, especially his seven children, Ellen Theresa, Matthew James, Kevin Michael, Brian Paul, Daniel Luke, Heather Maureen, Susan Elizabeth, his beloved wife, Kathleen Margaret, his nine grandchildren and his many, many friends.
St. Mary’s grade school in Woodside, NY is where he met his lifelong friends before going on to La Salle Academy (Class of 1954) and St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ. Always one to earn his own way, he was a promising baseball player and started early with business experience in the Garment District of NYC. Being a natural salesman, a long career with Dun & Bradstreet brought him to reside in Smithtown, NY, Elmhurst and Bloomingdale, IL, Northridge, CA, and Newtown Square, PA. Jim would later work for Blue Cross Blue Shield of PA and as an independent consultant selling longterm health care insurance.
Jim always held a special place in his heart for gathering with family and friends, especially at the beaches of the Jersey shore, where he had homes in Ocean City and Wildwood, NJ.
A proud Irishman, he loved visiting his parent’s homeland and cherished time with his kin there in the Irish countryside. No matter where he was, if he could help you, big Jim did. Like a good shepherd, through the stories he shared and the lives he touched, we’ll forever remember his contagious smile, the twinkle in his blue eyes and his spirited practice of heart felt generosity and service to others.
Relatives and friends may call Monday, Nov. 5, from 6-8 pm in the J. Nelson Rigby Funeral Home, 1 W. Baltimore Avenue, Media. Mass 10 am Tuesday in St. Anastasia Catholic Church 3309 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square. Calling 9-9:45 am in church. Interment private. Condolences: jnelsonrigbyfh.com.