James Robert “Jim” Collins Sr.

Jim Collins Sr., 75, passed away on April 7, 2018, at Bethany Homes on 42^nd. Jim was born on March 21, 1943, to Hugh and Genevieve (Schroeder) Collins at the Valley Farm, Erie, ND.  Jim graduated from Erie High School and briefly attended Moorhead State, Moorhead, MN., before deciding to farm and raise cattle with his uncle,  Newt Collins. In 1963, Jim married Jeanette Eggers.  They moved to Montana, where their first son, Jim, Jr., was born in 1965.  They returned to North Dakota in 1966.  Michael and Robert were added to the family in 1967 and 1969, respectively. Jim and his father, Hugh, then established the Collins Painting Service.

On August 19, 1983, Jim married Virgie Imberi and they resided in Casselton and Arthur, ND. They operated a painting business together and during legislative years Jim was a lobbyist for conservation issues. Jim and Kathy Swanson welcomed daughter Kelly and were married in 1989. During these years, he operated Home James Limo and continued the Painting Service until his retirement due to health issues in 2003.

Jim served on the ND Game and Fish Advisory Board, was a regional director for the ND Wildlife Federation, and later was its Executive Director for several years. Jim lobbied on behalf of wildlife issues for the United Sportsmen of ND, the ND Wildlife Federation, and the Cass County Wildlife Club. He received the Conservationist of the Year Award from the ND Wildlife Federation and was an integral part in the development and passage of legislation dealing with many conservation issues. One achievement Jim was especially proud of was the passage of the Hunter Safety bill, which he co-authored with Bill MacDanold.  To say the outdoors was important to Jim is a severe understatement. He was happiest when fishing, hunting, and trapping with his father, uncles and sons. A good hunting story was always at hand.  Jim also wrote a column for the Hillsboro Banner for a while.

Jim loved a good joke, dancing up a storm, rock music, and socializing with friends over a cold beer.

Jim is survived by sons Jim, Jr. (Roben), Bismarck; Mike (Peggy), Fargo; Robert (Angela), Horace; and daughter Kelly Collins Else, Moorhead.  Grandchildren: David (Brooke) Collins, Minot; Kendra (Drake Ofsthun) Collins; Fargo, Lakota Hartje, Tristan Collins, Kadence, Thorin, and Rorick Else, Moorhead.

Jim’s family would like to invite family, friends, and acquaintances to attend a graveside memorial at the Erie Cemetery, at 1:00 p.m., May 25, 2018. A time to share stories and a joke or three will be held at Kelly’s Cafe in Arthur following interment.

Memorials may be sent to 2515 Seneca Dr, Bismarck ND 58503.