Jack Collins

January 4, 1932 - October 21, 2020

SOUTH MILWAUKEE, WI - Jack Herbert Roy Collins, 88, went home to be with his heavenly Father on October 21, 2020. Jack was born on January 4, 1932 on Norfolk Island, Australia, to the late Roy Herbert Collins and Gladys Lay Collins. His parents were from New Zealand and that is where he was raised. Jack married Betty Amy Melville on December 9, 1950 who survives in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Jack Studied Electrical Engineering at American Institute of Engineering and Technology in New Zealand. As a teenager, in New Zealand, Jack worked on radios which spurred his interest in electronics. He also did wedding photography. In his early twenties he became a building contractor. In 1965 Jack brought his wife and family of 5 children from New Zealand to America (a family of 7 then, now grown to a family of 55). In his late 30’s he owned Collins House of Music in Niles, Michigan. He also was an Electronics Engineer. He became head of engineering for Carpenter’s Home Church and their radio station WCIE in Lakeland, Florida. While there he received an energy award from the state of Florida and the President of the United States. He was also a licensed Assemblies of God minister. He loved to sing in church and had a strong baritone voice that he loved to glorify God with. His favorite song to sing was “Amazing Grace.” His message to all of us would be, “Don’t miss Heaven for the World!” In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his son, Sean (John) Collins on November 29, 2008; great grandchild Emory McDougald; sister Ruth Bell; brother, David Collins; and sister Janet Melville. Jack was a dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandfather. Jack is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Betty Collins; 4 children, Rosalie Collins of Rock, West Virginia, Pauline Collins of Gillette, Wyoming; Marcus (Anna-Lise) Collins of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; and Jacquie (Alfred) Templeton of Plainfield, Indiana; 13 Grandchildren, David (Kim) Midkiff, Tony (Melissa) Midkiff, Lance (Ashley) Midkiff, Julie (Eric) Baker, Grant Midkiff, Shawn (Jeana) McIlroy, Angel McDougald, Michael (Amber) Collins, Boysen (Vicki) Collins, Heidi Collins, Amy (Jeff) Carlson, Phillip Templeton, Tim (Jillian) Templeton; 25 Great grandchildren Kelcey Midkiff, Kayla Midkiff, Tesla Midkiff, Alyssa Baker, Ariana Baker, Gracie Midkiff, Bailey Midkiff, Dale McIlroy, Lane McDougald, Cole McDougald, Samuel McDougald, Paige Massey, Samuel Collins, Emma Collins, Elskede Collins, Chloe Carlson, Elijah Carlson, Abigail Carlson, Gabriel Carlson, Judah Carlson, Naomi Carlson, Isaac Carlson, Shiloh Carlson, Brandi Chandler and Jason Sprague; and three great, great grandchildren, Clayton Rucker, Logan Rucker and Dallas Hardee. Jack will be laid to rest in the family cemetery at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 30, 2020 at 1735 Pinoak Road, Lashmeet, West Virginia 24733 with Reverend Alfred Templeton officiating. Following the graveside service family and friends will be gathering for a meal at 345 Curtis Midkiff Way, Rock, West Virginia 24747. Arrangements by Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.bailey-kirk.com.