James William Collins

James William Collins, 89, of Viola, Arkansas passed from this life on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at Mountain Home, Arkansas.  James was born October 8, 1931 to Richard Elisha Collins and Claude Mae (Baker) Collins at Harrisburg, Arkansas.

James married Nelda Grace Merchant on January 19, 1952 at Mountain Home, Arkansas and later married Helen Kaye Shrable on July 7, 1990 at Gepp, Arkansas.  James spent most of his working years as a truck driver but worked at various other jobs including carpenter, construction superintendent, Hayes Brother Flooring, butcher, Calico Rock Mill and at an ice cream factory.  James loved fishing, hunting, served on the Viola City Council for 18 years, was a member of Viola Solid Rock Assembly in Viola, Arkansas and served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War.  James was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend.

James leaves to mourn his passing, wife, Helen K. Collins of Viola, Arkansas; two daughters, Elisabeth L. Brooks (Andrew) of Mountain Home, Arkansas and Nelda Gracie Qualls of Elizabeth, Arkansas; son, Jamie W. Collins of Viola, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Laura Shaddon (Jason), Aiden Brooks and Benjamin Brooks; two great grandchildren, Addison Shaddon and Remington Shaddon; sister, Marie Ricardo (Bill) of California; two brothers, Willie Collins (Ann) of Tecumseh, Missouri and Larry Collins (Anna) of Norfork, Arkansas; many other relatives and friends.  James is preceded in death by his wife (Nelda), parents, son (James William Collins, Jr.), three sisters (Ellen Sue Collins, Margaret Long and Ida Mae Kramer) and five brothers (Jackie Wayne Collins, Marvin Eudell Collins, Cecil Harlin Collins, John Moses Collins and Euin Clayton Collins).

Graveside services will be Thursday, 2:00 PM, March 4, 2021 at Spring Creek Cemetery in Calico Rock, Arkansas with Monte Neal officiating. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 PM Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at Viola Solid Rock Assembly at Viola, Arkansas. Memorials may be made to the Spring Creek Cemetery Association.  Pallbearers are James Hutson, Jason Shaddon, Jamie Collins, Jackie Estes, Phillip Huett and Dwight Neal.  Honorary pallbearers are Ron Hoglan, Andrew Brooks, Addison Shaddon, Remington Shaddon, Aiden Brooks and Benjamin Brooks.  Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.