James Edwin "Dusty" Collins
March 16, 1949 ~ July 28, 2021
Born in:
Dallas, Texas
Resided in:
Pueblo West, Colorado
James Edwin “Dusty” Collins, 72, passed away July 28, 2021. Survived by his wife of 35 years, Florence Ann Laflin Collins; preceded in death by his father, Marshall Dee Collins; mother, Julia Geneva Carroll; sister, Verna Mae Gerbitz Boloson; and brother, Marshall Dee Collins Jr.
James was born March 16, 1949, in Dallas, Texas. He faithfully served his country 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. After his military career, he worked 24 more years for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). James enjoyed motorcycling and was a member of the Iron Butt Association. He was also a member of American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (3 tours in Vietnam), Disabled Veterans of America, Sons of the American Revolution, Honda Road Riders and Virago Owners Club.
There will be no viewing nor services. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences, www.MontgomerySteward.com
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James had other survivors a daughter me Joy Susanne Collins and a sister Melba Collins, and I do believe there is one brother left. But since the Collins family is so close Aunt Melba and I didn’t hear of his death until the end of October
I will miss you my friend. Rest In Peace.
Dusty will be missed. Great rider, always had a big smile and a funny story to share. See you down the road Dusty!
I met Jim as a LCPL in the Marines in 1974, he was a SGT. We stayed in touch over the years, he was the most loyal friend I ever had. He was the big brother I never had. He was the only person to come to NY for my college graduation in 1983.
Flo I am so sorry for your loss.
Love you both, Angie Hall
I’m so sorry Dusty has left us. I hated it when he and Flo left Virginia, and now he’s left us for good. I was so intimidated by the gruff Dusty when I met him until I realized he was all bark and no bite (at least with me). The motorcycle group had some great times and Dusty included me even though I didn’t ride. Don and I are heartbroken. But we will have our great memories until we meet up with Dusty again. Please stay in touch, Flo, and let us know if there’s anything we can do for you.
So sorry to hear about Jim! I worked with him at HUD and he will be missed! You and the Family are in my prayers.
I’ll never forget the day we met and you became my neighbor for years. You asked what I did and I told you I was an officer in the USAF. To which you said I hate officers. I told him there were some that filled that slot for me. That day started one of my best Friendships I’ve ever had. He gave me the best compliment ever. He said even though I was an officer he would follow me into combat. I promise him I’ll try to live up to his opinion of me. Simper Fi Dusty. See you in that great bar in heaven someday. Flo I can’t say how sorry I am at your lose.
Dusty was a beloved riding partner with our niece Mary Lee, and I remember so fondly his riding stories. Blessings to his wife, and all those who will be missing him.
Jim- thank you for your dedicated service to our country. You always made me laugh – while you and I worked together at FHA. I’d ask you about hunting different animals and you’d warn me: if you catch it, what are you going to do with it after that? I hope you had a wonderful retirement and finished helping your friend build the yurt in Pueblo.
Jim was a good friend and I enjoyed working with him at HUD. Will be greatly missed! Heartfelt condolences and prayers.
Worked many years with Jim at HUD. He was a real American hero. Thanks for your service and love of Country, Jim. The few, the proud….
Flo I am so sorry for you loss. Dusty was one in a million and will be missed by many- myself included. I will never forget his laugh and many stories of your amazing travels and life. God bless.
Jim is known for many things. To me, he was a special friend at HUD that pulled me up and set me back on my feet at a time that I needed help. He worked alongside me and I loved the guy. Flo – let me know if you need anything. I’d love to help.
You will be very much missed. Im sure you are showing my dad how to party in heaven… Hoorah.
Flo, we are soo saddened by your loss and the passing of our dear friend!! Love and thoughts are with you my dear.. Moe and Bobbie Lavoie
Flo, I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many wonderful memories of riding with Dusty. I’m sure I do not just speak for myself when I say, many of us lost a piece of our heart when Dusty ascended to heaven.
May G-d give you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Flo, I’m so sorry for your loss. I have so many wonderful memories of riding with Dusty. The story telling, laughing, and kicking the tires never got old. I’m sure I don’t just speak for myself but for many people when I say, so many lost a piece of their heart when Dusty ascended to heaven.
May G-d grant you piece during this difficult time.
Florence, I cannot imagine the loss you are feeling. I will pray God grants you peace through this hard time and healing for your heart. I will keep you in prayer.
He will be missed. I am sure he is riding his motorcycle in heaven.
Flo I am so very sorry and shocked to hear this news. You are in our prayers..
Flo, I am so very sorry for your loss. We may not have spoken often but when we got together, it was like we were never apart. This is such a shock, I’m very sorry!! Hugs, live and prayers coming your way!!
Jim, you will be truly missed…you came into my life when I needed to hear the truth…I love you my friend…Eric
Dusty you will be missed , you made the virago owners club some fun times … your iron butt and iron ball jokes to stealing the chapter flags .it was a pleasure to have met you and ride with you. may the roar of the thunder be you cruising down the road and the lightening a reminder of how you brightened our world
RIDE IN PEACE BROTHER
Oh Florence so sorry to hear this news. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
So very sorry for your loss, my God give you peace