Hon. James M. Collins

Jim was born on January 28, 1928, in Flint, Michigan to the late David and Mary Collins.

Jim married the former Dorothy A. Hill on January 20, 1967, at Mitchell United Methodist Church in Negaunee. He was a U.S. Navy veteran having served in World War II. He later graduated from Wayne State University Law School.

Jim worked in private law practice in Negaunee for 26 years prior to being elected 96th District Court Judge, a position he held for approximately 19 years.

A long time Rotarian, Jim previously served Rotary as club president and District Governor. He was very active with the Sister City program between Rotary, the City of Marquette and Yokkaichi, Japan. He was an active member of the Democratic Party. Jim was an accomplished pilot and scuba diver having scuba dived around Great Lakes shipwrecks and also in the Bahamas. He enjoyed travelling around the world with his beloved wife, Dorothy, and was also an avid reader.

Jim is survived by his children, Kandace St. Aubin of Las Vegas, NV, Debra Collins of Henderson, NV and Matthew (Kristine) Collins of Detroit, MI; grandchildren, Andy, Luke and Alex St. Aubin, Lily and Willa Collins, and Christopher, Jason and David Collins; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; his son, John Collins and brother, Jon Collins.

A memorial service with sharing of memories will be held on Friday, December 27th at 3 p.m. in the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home. The Collins family will greet relatives and friends beginning at 1:30 p.m. Friday until the time of the service. Please come to the service with a memory of Jim that you would like to share. A luncheon will take place in the funeral home immediately following the service.

The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the Collins family where memories of Jim may be shared at canalefuneral.com