James Peter Collins

James Peter Collins was born in Pittsburgh, PA. on June 4th, 1937 to parents Charles and Ruth Collins. He grew up in a large, loving family with six siblings, Patty Collins, Charles Collins, Rita Sciulli, Joanne Bassler, Mary-Lou Salzkey, and is survived by youngest brother Francis (Denny) Collins and his wife Erin Collins. James joined the Navy and was a medic in the Korean War, He also was a Lightweight Boxer for the Navy. In the early 60's Jim married Judy Collins his wife of 25 years and moved to California to pursue his singing and musical career. They had two daughters Sharon Hermone and Tara Collins Dudley. James was a loving father to his girl's and his grandchildren Linnea Hermone, Ryan Dudley, and Jill Dudley. He was good buds with his step-son Chris Dudley and his daughter's step-Dad Richard Peters. James was "Uncle Jimmy" to 15 nieces and nephews, Joey, Kathy, Johnny, Ernie, Jimmy (His Name Sake) Ruthie, Debbie, Lou Lou, Georgie, Joanne, Bitzy, Joey, Nicki, Nathan and Nolan and their families. James made friends everywhere he went, but had a special place in his heart for his lifelong friends Bob Garcia and Ronnie Title, who also moved to California from Pittsburgh. Many happy memories of our families getting together with Flo, Barbara Chris, Jenny, Ronny Jr. and Jason. In James (J.P's) later years he made some new friends Bill Barnwell, Robert Mills, Peanut, Rose and the Gang he played pool with in the Visalia BCA Pool league. He was a great pool player, which he would joke and say that "Was do to a wasted youth" He was legend the little old man who played a mean game of pool and then would Rock the Karaoke too! James entertained and delighted many with his talent, fun loving nature and " Irish charm ". He be-friended and influenced many musicians over the years. Faith Waldner and the Santa Rosa gang. Keith and the Crawdaddy's band in Visalia and many more. Jim loved life, his family, his friends, animals, music, exercise (Walking), nature and a good laugh. He passed away at home peacefully in his sleep. He wasn't afraid and seemed happy he would be reunited with his daughter Tara and all his loved ones in heaven. One of his songs was called "Bop Until You Drop" and my Dad did exactly that! I love you dad and I'll miss you until we meet again. Thank you to everyone sharing in Jim's end of life Virtual Celebration He loved You All! We will announce an in person gathering/Irish wake in the future. A special Thank-You to the kind Healthcare workers, paramedics, VPD, the Sheriff and Eddie and team at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel for helping to make the end of James's life a little less painful.

James Peter Collins

June 4, 1937 - August 21, 2020