James "Dick" Collins, affectionately known as "Big Red," Dad, and Grandpa passed away peacefully on September 16, 2026, at the age of 84. Born on September 21, 1941, to Josephine Christy, Dick was raised in Brighton, Massachusetts. The grandson of Irish immigrants, he carried immense pride in his family's heritage throughout his life. He often spoke with gratitude about his upbringing, surrounded by love, laughter, and unwavering support from his beloved Aunt Sheila "Babe", Uncle George, and his grandparents. Summers were spent body surfing at Rye Beach, New Hampshire, and Sundays gathered around his grandmother's table, where everyone was welcome. Those early lessons in hard work, faith, family, hospitality, and generosity would guide him for the rest of his life. 

A first-generation college graduate, Dick worked his way through Northeastern University and later earned an MBA from Suffolk University. Before settling into his career, he embraced adventure at every opportunity. His stories included working on nuclear testing projects in the Nevada desert, serving in the Air Force Reserves, and quitting jobs to ski with friends in Aspen or across Europe. Eventually, as he liked to joke, he got a “proper” haircut and a job at Sylvania, later Osram, where he built a successful 35-year career. 

In 1967, Dick met the love of his life, Jeanne Woods, at Wildcat Mountain in the Makusue Ski Club.  The stories of that time are legendary, as are the lifelong friendships made that carry on today. Christmas of 1969, he married his best friend, and for the next 56 years, they built a life rich with adventure, laughter, friendship, devotion, and a love that inspired everyone fortunate enough to witness it. 

In 1978, Dick and Jeanne moved to Northern Virginia, where they spent 22 years raising their family.  At Springfield Golf & Country Club, there were countless rounds of golf and tennis matches, swim meets, celebrations, and evenings spent with friends who became family. Dick's easy smile, gentle spirit, and steady presence made him beloved to all who knew him. 

Upon retirement, Dick and Jeanne moved to The Landings in Savannah, Georgia, where they spent 25 wonderful years. Golf, travel, dinners, and laughter filled their days and they quickly built a community of dear friends.. Together they explored the world, visiting 44 countries across 6 continents, embracing different cultures, and collecting stories that became treasured family lore.

Among his most cherished traditions were the annual trips to Anguilla that Dick and Jeanne made for 25 years. Dick fully embraced the "Irie Life," delighting in warm turquoise water, sandy beaches, piña coladas, and dancing barefoot to scratch bands. True to form, he formed friendships wherever he traveled, including throughout the Anguillan community he came to love.

Dick was many things: humble, generous, funny, kind, grateful, and deeply devoted. A devout Irish Catholic, he quietly lived the values he cherished most: compassion, humility, forgiveness, and gratitude. His faith sustained him through life's challenges and shaped the example he set for his family. 

Above all else, Dick was an optimist. Though he faced significant health challenges during the final decade of his life, he never complained and never lost his gratitude for the people and experiences that made his life so full. His capacity to love, and to be loved in return, seemed endless. 

For Dick, family always came first. He shared a special bond with his children, Jay and Katie, whom he cheered on in every endeavor, offering his steady hand, wise counsel, and unconditional support. Dick warmly welcomed his children's spouses into the family and loved them as his own. Nothing brought him greater happiness than spending time with his grandchildren, Leila and Owen, whose accomplishments, stories, and smiles filled him with endless pride. He adored his "Woods Family" and cherished their close, multigenerational bond.

Whether in Boston, North Conway, Virginia, Savannah, Anguilla, or somewhere far away on an adventure, Dick led with calm, sincerity, kindness, and gratitude. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His example of unwavering love, quiet generosity, steadfast faith, and optimism will continue to inspire those he leaves behind. 

Dick is survived by his best friend and the love of his life, Jeanne; his son, Jay (Isma) Collins of Manhattan, NY; his daughter, Katie (Ziad) Kubursi of Rye, NY; his treasured grandchildren, Leila and Owen; and many loving nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who were fortunate to know and love him.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, September 26, 2026 at The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Savannah, Georgia .  A reception to follow from 12:00 – 3:00 PM at The Azalea Room at The Palmetto Club, The Landings. 

May the road rise to meet him, May the wind be always at his back, May the sun shine warm upon his face, And the rains fall soft upon his fields. And until we meet again, May God hold him in the palm of His hand.