James Collins Jr. was born on November 6, 1928 in Greenville, Georgia to the union
of thelate James Collins Sr. and Mozella Martin Collins. He was the oldest of three children;
his younger sisters were named Frances and Naomi. On Saturday, March 17, 2018, God
peacefully called him home.

As a child, James loved spending time with his grandparents. His maternal and paternal
grandparents both lived nearby to one another. He enjoyed playing cards, board games,
and even learned how to cook at a young age.

James began his Christian journey in Springfield Baptist Church in Greenville, Georgia.
He accepted Christ as His Lord and Savior at the age of eight. James received his early
education through the Greenville Public School System, and received his GED while in
the military. He began his military career in the U.S. Navy, where he served for 4 years.
At that time, Black people were not allowed to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps; however,
James was selected to be one of the first Black Marines to receive basic training at
Montford Point (a section of land on Camp Lejeune) in Jacksonville, North Carolina.
James served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 20 years as a front line infantryman during
World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War. On April 23, 1966, James retired as a
Master Sergeant and was honorably discharged, receiving numerous honors, awards,
and medals of achievement. After his retirement from the military, James traveled to
Deerfield Beach, Florida to visit his mother Mozella. On his birthday, Sunday,
November 6, 1966 he visited a new church, Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church
in Deerfield Beach. After worship service, his met his future wife, Barbara Ann Williams,
who was an usher at the church. Seven months later on June 24, 1967, James married
the love of his life. James and Barbara relocated in Baltimore, Maryland where they
joined The Mount Moriah Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Jesse Boykin.
In 1969, their first child, Latonya Montrae, was born. Five years later, the Holy Spirit
led them to join Concord Baptist Church, when Rev. Dr. Matthew R. Silver was the pastor.
Their second child, Renita Danielle was born shortly after. While at Concord, James was
very active in the Couples' Ministry along with his wife Barbara, the Laymen's League,
and the Male Chorus. In addition, James accepted a position with the Maryland State
Police Department. After serving for 15 years, he retired as Police Chief due to a job
injury. Among James' many accomplishments, he was a Life
Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, VFW Post 751 Commander
for four years, Life Member of the NAACP, and a member of the Fraternal Order of Police.
He has received countless awards and certificates for his tireless service in all areas of
his life. James' hobbies included cooking, playing chess and cards, and watching sports,
especially baseball. He would often take his wife and grandchildren to the Baltimore
Orioles games. He also loved listening to gospel and jazz music. He used to play the
saxophone, so he especially loved to go out to enjoy live jazz with Barbara. James loved
the Lord, and His personal relationship with Christ sustained him throughout his life.
One of favorite scriptures was Psalm 27. He relied heavily on his faith while on the
battlefield experiencing such tumultuous events and Psalm 56 was his prayer of refuge.
He was also a loyal friend who always had an encouraging word for anyone in need.
Even when he became ill, he sought comfort in his family and friends and always found
strength to sing praises to the Lord! He truly had an attitude of gratitude in all aspects
of life! Furthermore, he was a mentor to young men, demonstrating to honor God first,
be an awesome provider, and serve others. James' infectious smile

Memorial Service Concord Baptist Church Friday, April 06, 2018 09:30 AM Email Details 5204 Liberty Heights Ave
Baltimore, MD 21207 In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in honor of James Collins, Jr. to: Veterans (VAMHCS) 10 N. Greene Street Baltimore, MD 21201 orSidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins P.O. Box 17046 Baltimore, MD 21297-0251 Directions