James F. Collins

Waltham – Mr. James F. Collins, of Waltham, died Thursday, November 17, 2011 at his home. He was 71.

Jim was born in Boston, a son of the late Ronald and Helmi (Jokinen) Collins. He was raised in Brighton where he graduated from Saint Columbkille High School. After that he served with the United States Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the submarine USS Greenfish – SS 351.

He also lived for a time in Needham before moving to Waltham in 1980. A graduate of Wentworth Institute, Jim worked thirty-eight years for the Raytheon Corporation until his retirement as a procurement specialist. Throughout his life he found great enjoyment being a fisherman in all seasons and in all places.

He leaves his beloved wife, Catherine C. (Whyte) Collins; his sons, James F. Collins, Jr. and his girlfriend, Sara Landi, and Sean P. Collins, all of Waltham; his grandson, Johnathan Collins; his brother, Ronald V. Collins of Palmetto, Georgia; several cousins including Beverly Weaver of Shrewsbury and Maureen Gasko of Worcester and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was also a brother of the late John and Joseph Collins.

Family and friends will honor and remember Jim's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Monday, November 21st, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Jude Church, 147 Main Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.