1950 – 2016

LEWISTON — James Richard Collins, 65, of Dixfield, died at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston late in the evening of Sunday, May 1, 24 hours before the unexpected and unrelated death of his older brother, Donald.

James was born July 12, 1950, to the parents of Donald and Leitha (Dougherty) Collins Sr. He grew up in Dixfield where he was popular with his peers and was an all-star athlete participating in baseball, football and hockey at Dixfield Regional High School. After graduation, Jim went on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.

Upon his honorable discharge, Jim worked as a railroad engineer for Maine Central Railroad for more than 20 years. Jim was a social person, a jokester with a friendly disposition. He loved being in the company of others, particularly his longtime companion, Sandy Morgan, a relationship he treasured.

He enjoyed being outside and spent many fall days driving on the back roads of Maine hunting for partridge. He was an animal lover and was often seen with dogs, Zag and Sunny. Jim was especially close with his two brothers, Don and Dan.

Despite Jim’s health and physical limitations, he was a strong-willed individual with an exemplary attitude. Jim took great pride in his home and property and with the support of Tommy Morgan was able to stay in the comfort of his own home, which Jim so much appreciated.

He is survived by his beloved brother, Daniel Collins and his wife, Rebecca, of Dixfield; sister-in-law, Marion Collins of Houlton; nieces and nephews, Dan Collins Jr. and his wife, Stacey, of Peru, Sara Brennick and her husband, Mark, of Rumford Center, Christopher Collins and his wife, Emily, of Marlborough, Mass., Courtney Fein and her husband, Mickey, of Eaton, Pa.; great-niece and nephews, Drew, Deryk, Isaac, Ian, Jacklyn and Ty; and his companion’s children, Shanda Morgan of Lewiston, and Tommy Morgan of Carthage.

He was predeceased by his parents; longtime companion, Sandy Morgan; and his beloved dogs, Zag and Sunny.

Tributes and condolences may be shared by visiting his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com.