James F. Collins, "Papa Jim" was born on November 15, 1919, to Mary Bournes and John Collins. He passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, November 4, 2016. Jim was born and raised in San Francisco, CA, where he met May. He often said the day they met was the best day of his life. They lived in San Francisco until 1969, when they moved to Fresno, CA. Over the years, they enjoyed the laughter and companionship of many close friends. Jim served with the United States Merchant Marine in the South Pacific during World War II, and he worked for the Berven Carpet Company for many years. His strong Irish tenor singing voice was enjoyed at churches, weddings and nightclubs in San Francisco, and especially at the annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration at the Olympic Club Lakeside Country Club where he was a member for 57 years. Most recently, he and May resided at Oakmont in Fresno. He deeply appreciated the kindness and professional care provided by the staff. Fellow residents marveled at their enduring love as they continued to hold hands in the elevator, on bus outings, out front reading the newspaper and listening to music, and to the very end. Jim will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, May Blake Collins; their four daughters, Nancy Collins Kelly, Marilyn Collins Wheelwright, Carol Collins and Joan Collins Bass; ten grandchildren; one great-grandson; and seven loving nieces and nephews. Friends are invited to attend the Vigil Service at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Friday, November 11, 2016, at 6:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Saturday, November 12, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorials to Little Sisters of the Poor, 300 Lake Street, San Francisco, CA 94118 littlesistersofthepoor.org Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 1525 East Saginaw Way, Fresno, California (559)227-4048