LEON ‘JIMMY’ COLLINS JR.

BREWER – Leon “Jimmy” Collins Jr., 83, passed away Oct. 2, 2008, at a Bangor hospital after a brief battle with cancer. He was born Sept. 10, 1925, in Brewer, along with his twin sister, Julia, the son of Leon J. and Lillian (Peters) Collins. Jim attended schools in Brewer and at age 18 enlisted with the U.S. Army. After training, he served with the 65th Infantry Division and was assigned to Gen. Patten’s 3rd Army in Europe. He returned home a proud veteran and continued to serve with the U.S. Army Reserve for many years, retiring as a master sergeant. He was a longtime member of Isaac E. Clewley VFW Post No. 4917, Brewer and will be remembered by most at the Monday night Post bingo. Jim worked for many years for Friedman Furniture Co., becoming the manager. He served with Brewer Police Department, where he was known by many for his patrol of Brewer Drive-in Theater. He was also employed at New Franklin Laundry for a brief time. After retirement Jim enjoyed time spent with his family, friends and especially his VFW family. Jim was a devoted Red Sox fan and was a kind, caring person, who was there for everyone and who will be missed by all. Surviving are his beloved wife of 62 years, Catherine “Kay” (Trenholm) Collins; his daughter, who loved him very much, Mary Vanidestine and her husband, Edward Jr., of Holden; two grandchildren, Christy Stroup and her husband, Shawn and Edward Vanidestine III and his wife, Tina, all of Brewer; five great-grandchildren, Alexandria, Samuel and Abby Stroup, Grady “James” and Lauren Vanidestine, all of Brewer and who will miss their Pappy; one sister, Julia Gilmore of Brewer; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Jim was predeceased by his parents; a brother, John Collins; and a sister, Joan King. Family and friends may visit 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5, at Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, 69 State St., Brewer, where a memorial service honoring his life will be held 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, with the Rev. Robert T. Carlson, presiding. Burial with military honors will be at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Bangor. Family and friends are invited to a time of fellowship immediately afterward. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Maine Veterans’ Home, Memorial Fund, 44 Hogan Road, Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences may be offered at www.kileyandfoley.com.