James Ralph Collins
Ava, MO

James Ralph Collins was born September 23, 1923 in Dora, Missouri to George David and Mell Vina (Croney) Collins and passed away on December 3, 2008, at the age of 85 years, 2 months and 10 days.

Jim served in the Navy during World War II, spending most of his time during the war in the South Pacific. After the war, he returned to Dora where he met Lucille. They were married on April 26, 1946, and to this union four children were born. Jim and Lucille moved to Ava in 1951 and have lived here since then. Jim worked at Kerr Chevrolet Garage until 1956. With $96 he opened Jim's Body Shop in May of 1956, and owned and operated the business until his retirement in 1985. Jim enjoyed spending time playing golf and fishing.

Jim is survived by Lucille, his wife of 62 years, three daughters, and one son and families: Connie and George Hetherington, Linda and Lendell King, Marla and Joe Yeager, and Dennis Collins and Linda Elliott, all of Ava. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Jim is survived by one brother, G. W. Collins of St. Charles, MO.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by two half sisters, Beatrice & Ethel Gunter, three half brothers, Leeman Collins and Leon and Pearly Mageehon, two brothers Lester and Leslie Collins.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, December 5, from 6 to 7 p.m. and funeral services at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 6, both at Clinkingbeard Funeral Home. Interment will be at the Ava Cemetery.

The family has requested memorial donations to Hospice Care of St. Johns or Neighbor Helping Neighbor.