James F. Collins of Claymont, DE, was surrounded by his family when he passed away quietly and peacefully on January 16, 2026, at age 88. Dad was born in Staten Island, NY but raised in Cape May, NJ. The Jersey Shore was the place where he lived with his parents, John and Ethel and his four siblings: Beryl, Dorothy, NancyLee and Ronald. When Dad was eight, he met an ornery kid named Will Haggerty and they would go on to be best friends for 80 years. In 1960, Dad was drafted into the Army’s 15th Aviation Company 1st Cavalry Division, and was stationed in Korea until 1962.
In March 1963, at the Cape May Courthouse Diner, Dad would meet his new best friend and the love of his life, Jo-Ann Ludlow. After that night, they would go on to form an amazing bond, marry in 1964, raise three children, and spend 61 incredibly happy years together.
Dad was a very humble and hard-working man. He worked in construction and did roofing and siding for many years. He would often do work for free or reduced rates to help those in need. He never took advantage of anyone, and his work motto was that one must do the bad with the good. My favorite saying of his was “I’m rich with love, a millionaire.” He loved all of us unconditionally and our home was always filled with love and laughter.
Dad gave us our love of football and baseball. For years, Saturdays were spent attending home and away UD football games. We called it our family bonding time. As a joke, when Dad turned 55, I signed him up for the Senior Olympics. He and Mom traveled all over the country for the games and made countless friends from this experience. He also played on senior softball teams up until he was 80. His favorite thing was pitching.
He was first diagnosed with melanoma in 2006. He had wonderful doctors and after surviving he always looked for ways to give back and thank God for his blessings. One way we gave back as a family was to join the Wilmington Blue Rocks Host Family program. Dad loved attending the games and formed a strong bond with all the guys who stayed with us. They called him Abuelo and became his adopted grandsons.
Dad enjoyed music and singing, but he really loved dancing. He and Mom always put on a show whenever they danced together. He also loved being at the Shore with his family and his beloved corgi, Lola Marie. Saturday afternoons in the Summer were spent singing and dancing in the screenhouse. As a family, we would put the dogs in the car and go to North Cape May to watch the sunset. It was always a beautiful and peaceful way to end the day.
Dad’s cancer returned in 2022. It was devastating news for us, but he always stayed positive and strong. Over four years, he endured MRIs, PETScans, radiation and countless blood draws. He never complained and kept going because he did not want to leave us. He felt that enduring the tests and treatments could help provide information to help future cancer patients. He adored his oncologist, Dr. Jason Palopoli and enjoyed teasing him about his choice in sports teams. This kind doctor spent hours with Dad, and we believe that his passion and encouragement truly kept Dad going.
In his last months, Bayada Home Health and Bayada Hospice provided wonderful care and compassion to Dad. He looked forward to his visits with Zach, Jillian, Alexandra and George. His hospice care team of Paula, Lynn and nurse Danielle were truly a source of comfort to all of us.
It is hard to sum up 88 years that belonged to such a wonderful man in a few paragraphs. Dad was a loyal friend and tried to live his life by being a good example of kindness and compassion. Dad is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Jo-Ann; children Denise, Lisa (Scott), Lance (Karly), and Johnny Seed; sisters Dorothy Collins and NancyLee Kirkbride (Charlie); brother Ronald Collins; cousin Skip Hoffman; best friend of 80 years, Will Haggerty (Louise); nieces and nephews Tony, Michael, Billy, Chip, Donna, Suzanne, Greg, Steven C., Nancy and Tracy; his adopted grandsons Wilver Bud, Jose, Rayner, Yovanny, Mario, Paulo, Noel, Pimi, Salvi, Coach Mario J. and his beautiful corgi, Lola Marie.
Family and Friends are invited to visit at McCrery & Harra Funeral Home, 3924 Concord Pike, Wilmington, on Friday, January 23 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. The family requests that guests dress in casual, comfortable attire. Please honor Dad by smiling at a stranger, holding the door open for someone, taking a walk with someone you love and enjoying all of the sunsets.
