James R. Collins

James R. Collins, 78, a resident of Jennings Brook in Bennington died Sunday January 10, 2021 at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington following a long illness. He was born in North Adams, MA April 15, 1942. He was the son of the late John F. and Gertrude (Cummings) Collins. Jim received his education in Bennington and was a 1961 graduate of Bennington Catholic High School. He later attended St. Bonaventure University. Jim served his country in the Army National Guard. Jim took great pride in running the family business J.F. Collins Company in North Adams, MA. He loved to work. He later owned and operated the Treasure Chest in North Adams and retired from Mountain Insurance in Bennington. He married the former Grace Cleary on November 16, 1996. Jim enjoyed playing golf and had won several tournaments. He recorded three holes in one. He was a former member of the Mount Anthony Country Club in Bennington and Taconic Golf Club in Williamstown, MA. Jim was a member of the Bennington Elks Lodge. He was a communicant of Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales Church. He enjoyed watching sports and game shows. He loved to talk with people. Survivors include his wife, Grace Collins of Bennington. A son, Timothy Collins and his wife Julie of Brooklyn, NY. Two daughters, Mary Habich and her husband George of Bennington, and Denise Johnson and her husband Marc of Rochester, NY. Five grandchildren, Claire Collins, Jon Habich and his wife Samantha, and Jack, Brady and Daniel Johnson, and one great granddaughter Wren Habich. Two sisters, Nancy Lord and her husband Robert, and Mary Mazzara and her husband William of Glastenbury, CT. Along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call at the Mahar and Son Funeral Home on Wednesday January 13 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The funeral will be held from the Mahar and Son Funeral Home on Thursday at 10:30 a.m. with a prayer and then from Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales Church at 11:00 a.m. where the Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial will be offered. The burial will follow in the family lot at Park Lawn Cemetery in Bennington. If friends desire contributions in memory of James R. Collins may be made to HIS Pantry at Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales Church through the office of the Mahar and Son Funeral Home 628 Main St. Bennington, VT 05201. Guest book condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net