James E. Collins,75, affectionately known as “Tinker” to all who loved and knew him; was born on January 21, 1944 to Olga Collins and Irland Whittington in Crisfield, MD. He completed his earthly mission and answered the call of our Almighty Father at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, MD on Friday, November 22, 2019.
Tinker was educated by the Somerset County Public Schools and was a proud graduate of Cater G. Woodson High School. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, once discharged from the Army, Tinker was employed by Sherwin Williams until he retired.
Tinker was a devoted father, a genuine friend, a dependable husband and an overall blessing to us all. For 37 years he was married to Shirlene “Sug” Collins. From there union came one son, James Dominck Collins who Tinker loved with all his heart. Following her passing, he found love again, marrying Alona A. Collins in 2008.
Tinker was a fan of all music and a lover of all sport; except golf. He hated golf. He passed time by being with his friends, sneaking to play numbers, watching reruns on television and doing for others. He would rip and run and always have you on time.
Tinker was a true sweetheart who refused to tell anyone “no” unless he absolutely couldn’t. He enjoyed laughing and making others smile. To know him was to love him; and his unique special self-made language. “Ishee Lobbi Du means I love you!”
Tinker leaves to cherish fond memories with; his wife of 11 years, Alona Collins; one son, James “Dom” Collins; two granddaughters, Ja’Liyah and Jah’airra; four step children, Ondera “Andre” Johnson (Ellen), Robin Henderson (Tony), Alona Snowden and Ta’ Sandra Collins; siblings, Joan Sterling (Phillip, Sr.), Sandra Douglas (Sinclair, Sr.), Vincent Collins (Suzie), Bertha Pryor, Sophia, Debbie, Glen Warren (Tracy), Wendy Whittington-Douglas, Peggy Brown (O’Connell), Gloria Evans (Tom), Ida Mae Corbin (Don), Vanessa and Brenda Corsey, Lawrence Jones and Joe Thomas; a host of nephews, nieces, step grandchildren, one step great-grandchild, cousins, other relatives and close friends.
In addition to his parents, Tinker was preceded in death by his brothers; Gary Collins, William “Billy Joe” Thomas, Carl Thomas, Jimmy Ward, Lawrence Jones, Alfred Corsey; one sister, Arlene Carter, one aunt, Blancia Cottman and one nephew, Joseph Douglas.
A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, November 30, 2019 at Shiloh United Methodist Church in Crisfield, MD with a viewing 2 hours prior.
