James A. Collins, 67, of Brookston, peacefully went to be with the Lord at 5:30 a.m. Monday, April 23, 2012 at his residence, after battling cancer for almost four years. He was born January 10, 1945 in Huntingburg, Indiana to the late Ivan L. and T. Jean (Hunter) Collins. He graduated from Stendal High School in 1962. James served in the United States Army as a heavy equipment operator, and attained the rank of Sergeant E-5. During his time in the Army, he was stationed in Korea. His marriage was to Myrtle Robey on June 6, 1981 at Wolcott Christian Church. She survives. Throughout his life, James lived in Huntington, Stendal, Morocco, Wolcott, and later moved to Brookston in 1974. From 1966-1990, he owned and managed Grain Establishments in Newton and White County. He then went on to work at Cummins Engine Company of Lafayette, Fairview Hatchery, Indiana Farmers Union Bean Facility and Soybean Processing Plant, and from 2000-2008, he sold Power Sports in Rensselaer and DeMotte. He was a member of the West Lafayette Christian Church, American Legion, Gold Wing Road Riders Assocation and R-2 Gold Wingers. James enjoyed traveling, motorcycling throughout the United States, shooting, watching baseball and spending time with his family and friends. Surviving with his wife are three children, Shannon Burnett (husband: Danny) of Plainfield, Duane Flack (wife: Angie) of Lafayette and Kerri Dodd (husband: Bert) of Vincennes; two sisters, Dixie Reller (husband: Dale) of Stendal and Robin Blume (husband: Kent) of Lafayette; and his special nephew and riding partner, Landon Blume of Lebanon. James loved and cherished the time he spent playing with his grandchildren, Brady James Burnett and Amethyst Kay Flack. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, April 26, 2012 at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home of Brookston and from 11:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 12:00 p.m. (noon) Friday, April 27, 2012 at West Lafayette Christian Church (1980 Lindberg Road, West Lafayette, IN 47906) with Pastor John Dittman and Dick McKinnis officiating. Memorial donations may be made in James name to West Lafayette Christian Church or the American Cancer Society.