James S. Collins
Sergeant, United States Army Reserve
January 13, 1972 – August 28, 2007
Age – 35
Rochester Hills, MI
Operation Iraqi Freedom
303rd Military Police (Combat Support) U.S. Army Reserve, Jackson, MI
Died of wounds sustained during combat operations in Kirkuk, Iraq
Jim was a 1990 graduate of Southfield Lathrup High School where he played 4 years of football and track. He attended Northwestern Michigan University in Traverse City, before obtaining a degree in Criminal Justice from Lake Superior State University where he graduated with honors. Jim was involved with a singing group called “The Madrigals” that traveled the world performing. He served in the United State Marine Corps for 4 years before re-enlisting in the Army Reserves.
Even as a child Jim loved the Military. On many occasions when he was young, he would check out the book on D-Day from the library and read it from cover to cover. His love for machinery goes back to his youth, when he would always take things apart and then put them back together.
This passion continued in his military career, working on large trucks known as an ASV. Sgt. Collins was considered an AGR, Active Guard Reservist, and served in the 303rd Military Police Company for combat support. He was always proud of being in the military, where he truly enjoyed the military structure – he was very patriotic.
Sgt. Collins was extremely loyal, honorable and had an incredible work ethic. He enjoyed life to the fullest by working hard and playing hard. Family was of the utmost importance to him. Deep down he was a kind soft hearted man who would go to the ends of the earth to protect his loved ones. In May of this year, he hosted a party at his home for all of his family. He was honored and thrilled to give his home for this family occasion. In his free time, Jim loved to hunt, water-ski, go hiking and watch the Red Wings. He and his best friend, Rick Defauw, would spend time in Cadillac and northern lower Michigan hunting, hiking and spending time with family. Always at his side was his faithful companion “Sadie”, his lab who enjoyed nature as much as Jim did. Jim always kept in touch with family, especially his cousin, Mark Collins that he always respected and looked up to.
“We are very proud of our son, Jim, as are his wife, his son, and his sister,” Collins’ parents said. “To us, Jim will always be a hero. He did his duty as he saw it and was proud of his service to his country.”