JAMES P COLLINS's Obituary
James (Jim) Patrick Collins, age 65, passed on the evening of Sunday March 26th 2023 at Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach. He was surrounded by immediate family. Mass will be celebrated in his honor at 11:30am on April 3rd at St. Raymond Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 10:30am at the Church, and burial services will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Cemetery.
Jim was born in Rochester, NY and grew up in West Hartford, CT before making his life in Miami Beach. He was a graduate of Hall High School, West Hartford, CT.
Jim will be remembered in many ways by many people. He was an exceptional businessman, who built his travel business, Global Crew Logistics, from a small 3-person office in The Everglades Hotel to 100+ employees in the US, Europe and South America. He was a father of three, and became a grandfather for the first time on January 28th 2023, to a healthy grandson, also named James Patrick Collins. He was a loving husband and father, and a friend to many countless people from all walks and ways of life.
Jim devoted his life to travel, and he was on an airplane the day before being hospitalized. He was a special man and a unique spirit, who did things his way until the very end. Jim was a lively storyteller, well known and loved for his optimistic and lighthearted outlook, quick wit, and irreverent sense of humor, all of which he maintained throughout his illness into his final days. He may be remembered most for his generosity; he was quick to extend a helping hand, and there are countless stories of Jim helping someone through a hard time, and believing in people when others wouldn’t give them a chance. Jim was a proud benefactor of St. John’s University, St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, and BELA Charter School in Brooklyn, New York, along with many other charitable causes throughout his life. He was a proud member of Indian Creek Country Club, Surfside, FL, and Governors Club, Chapel Hill, NC. Jim was an inaugural season ticket holder of the Miami Heat and followed the team throughout his life.
Jim is survived by his wife Ligia (Candy) and daughter Christina (Miami Beach); his son Michael, daughter in law Amanda, and grandson James (Miami Beach); five siblings, two dogs, several racehorses, hundreds of friends and a business full of wonderful people who will carry on his legacy.
Jim is now reunited with his great friends Joel Schwartz and Michael Kasino, among many others; his parents James and Elizabeth; and his beloved son Brian, who passed too soon at the age of 29.
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