James Robert Collins

During his early years, Jim lived with his grandfather and mother, a registered nurse, and it was during this time that his religious training began.

Following his parents’ reunion, Jim stayed in Missouri with his grandfather while his mother and father went to California to remarry and establish a residence and business.

Once settled, they sent for nine-year-old Jim Bob, who made the journey from Missouri to California by train, on his own. The family first landed on Hart Street in what is now Van Nuys.

After a short time, the family established their permanent home in an area then known as Mint Canyon, later called Saugus, then Canyon Country, and now recognized as part of the Santa Clarita Valley. Jim lived there until he joined the United States Navy at age seventeen.

As a young boy, Jim was involved in the Boy Scouts, where his interest in archaeology, nature, and the great outdoors first took root. These early fascinations would grow into a lifelong love of exploration, eventually drawing him to the ocean and his service in the United States Navy.

Grace and Frank’s second marriage brought two more children into the family: Jim’s younger sisters, Susan and Patricia.

During the Korean War, Jim was stationed aboard a submarine called the USS Pomfret. His fascination with the sea, history, and all things underwater would remain with him throughout his life.

In 1968, Jim made his home in Encino, California, where he remained until his passing. Jim had a career as a programmer at Disney Studios and also as a programmer for the courthouse in downtown Los Angeles.

He was a good neighbor in every sense of the word. Following his passing, many longtime neighbors shared touching stories of his thoughtfulness, generosity, and kindness. Their memories were a testament to the quiet but lasting impression he made on those around him.

Jim always had a good joke to tell, and his wonderful sense of humor was simply part of who he was. So I think it’s only fitting that I use a few very important “F words” to remember him. Of course, Jim’s jokes were always clean, and these F words are no exception!

The words that truly defined his life were: Funny, Faith, Family, Furthering Education, Fellowship, Furry Things, and, of course, Food.

These seven F words tell the story of a man whose life was filled with curiosity, kindness, generosity, laughter, and love.

Faith

Jim was a lifelong Christian whose relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was the most important pursuit of his life.

A lifelong student, Jim never stopped learning, but no subject received more of his devotion than his Christian faith. His curiosity, dedication to study, and desire to deepen his understanding of Scripture remained with him throughout his life.

In his later days, Jim found great comfort and spiritual support in his pastor, Jay Underwood, at Calvary Bible Church in Burbank, California, whose presence and guidance meant so much to him.

His faith was also reflected in his generosity toward others.

Family

Jim is survived by his two sisters, Susan DeLossa and Patricia Wightman, and his nephews and niece, Robert, Richard, and Gary DeLossa, and Kathryn Corey.

Family was an important part of Jim’s life, and his memory will live on through those who knew and loved him.

Furthering Education

Jim’s curiosity never faded; he was always eager to explore a new subject. His enthusiasm for learning extended well beyond books and religious study.

He loved history, archaeology, scuba diving, and virtually anything connected to the underwater world. He enjoyed mystery novels and thrillers of all kinds and was an enthusiastic collector of books and memorabilia.

Jim also earned an amateur radio operator’s license, with the call sign N6DIR, and a pilot’s license, completed numerous courses in theology, and continued his computer studies throughout his life. He even held a motorcycle license and rode a motorcycle for many years.

His lifelong curiosity and drive to learn new skills were defining parts of who he was.

Fellowship and a Life of Quiet Giving

Jim believed in helping others, and his generosity extended to a wide variety of causes.

Among the many organizations he supported were Mercy Ships, the SPCA, the Los Angeles Zoo, local animal charities, numerous Christian organizations, including Jews for Jesus, and especially his church, Calvary Bible Church in Burbank, California.

One charity held a particularly special place in his heart: Smiles, Incorporated, an organization dedicated to helping children born with cleft lips and palates. It was Jim’s favorite charity.

His generosity extended beyond financial contributions and, through his thoughtful gifts, would continue to benefit others long after his passing.

Jim bequeathed his collection of theology books to his former pastor, Eduardo Wild, now a professor of theology, who established a special section in the library at The Master’s University in Placerita Canyon to house Jim’s collection.

He also bequeathed his amateur radio equipment to the Van Nuys section of the amateur radio club. The equipment, in turn, will be given to fellow amateur radio operators who lost their own gear in the devastating Pacific Palisades fire.

These thoughtful gifts reflected Jim’s desire to share the things he treasured with others who could appreciate and benefit from them.

His charitable giving reflected two of his greatest loves: his faith and the animals whose welfare meant so much to him.

Furry Things

Jim had a special place in his heart for animals, particularly those in need of a home.

Over the years, he opened his heart and home to a number of rescued animals, including his dogs Maxie, Billy Bob, and Chippy, and finally his beloved cat, Benny.

There was also a stray white cat who never even had a name. Jim simply fed it and cared for it, asking nothing in return, until one day it disappeared.

Whether an animal became a permanent member of his household or was simply a hungry visitor, Jim’s kindness extended to them all.

And Finally, Food — One of Life’s Great Pleasures

Jim genuinely enjoyed food. And those who knew him could recognize the unmistakable expression that appeared on his face when he was presented with something delicious to eat.

It was a look of pure delight, one that said everything without a single word.

And perhaps that is a fitting way to remember Jim: enjoying one of life’s simple pleasures, with that familiar expression of happiness on his face.

We invite family, friends, and neighbors to share their own stories and memories of Jim. Whether it’s a favorite joke, an act of kindness, or a moment that made you smile, each remembrance helps celebrate a life well lived.