LibertyUnites • Tributes
James S Collins Jr
Profile
Name: Army Sgt. James S. Collins Jr.
Age: 35
From: Rochester Hills, Mich.
Assigned to the 303rd Military Police Company (Combat Support), U.S. Army Reserve, Jackson, Mich.
Incident: Army Sgt. James S. Collins Jr. died Aug. 28 in Kirkuk, Iraq, of wounds sustained during combat operations.
Died: August 28, 2007
Parents of slain Michigan soldier call him a hero
The Associated Press
Age: 35
From: Rochester Hills, Mich.
Assigned to the 303rd Military Police Company (Combat Support), U.S. Army Reserve, Jackson, Mich.
Incident: Army Sgt. James S. Collins Jr. died Aug. 28 in Kirkuk, Iraq, of wounds sustained during combat operations.
Died: August 28, 2007
Parents of slain Michigan soldier call him a hero
The Associated Press
ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. — A Michigan soldier killed this week during combat operations in Kirkuk had been in Iraq nearly a year, the military said.
Sgt. James S. Collins Jr., 35, of Rochester Hills, was part of the 303rd Military Police. The company deployed in Iraq last September and conducted convoy security operations, Army officials said.
Collins died Aug. 28.
“We are very proud of our son, Jim, as are his wife, his son, and his sister,” Collins’ parents said Aug. 30 in a release. “To us, Jim will always be a hero. He did his duty as he saw it and was proud of his service to his country.”
Collins’ Army Reserve company is based in Jackson,...
Occupation
the 303rd Military Police Company (Combat Support), U.S. Army Reserve, Jackson, Mich.;
Incident
Army Sgt. James S. Collins Jr. died Aug. 28 in Kirkuk, Iraq, of wounds sustained during combat operations.
Prayers & Messages
James S Collins Jr
2012-05-24
I was there in Kirkuk the day Sgt. Collins was killed. I did not know him, nor do I think I ever had the honor of meeting him. I was in the Air Force Security Forces unit and responded to a mass casualty Emeds alert. Sgt. Collins had passed by the time his body was delivered to Emeds. He was placed off to the side as other casualties were evaluated. During this time I took charge of keeping the growing crowd of blood donors and well wishers fed and hydrated. They were in the hundreds. I had a few Army and Air Force personnel offer to help me and these kids did a fantastic job caring for all those who came to Emeds that day. However, there is one thing I wish I had done and it troubles me to this day. I wish I had placed a guard on Sgt. Collin's body. He was in no danger of being dishonored or mistreated, I just felt I should have done that out of respect and just so he wouldnt be there all alone as though he was forgotten. After much searching I was able to match the date of the incident and his name. I was even able to read details of his life. We were both prior service Marines, both in our later 30s and both had married a wife named Amy. As I stated, I did not know Sgt. Collins , but I do think of him often and the outpouring of supprt shown that day by both branches. I hope this in some way helps to comfort you. Tsgt Eddie McLean, USMCR/USAFR. Carrollton, OH
James S Collins Jr
2008-05-24
Your sacrifice will remain in our hearts for a lifetime,
with intense gratitude. May God bless you and your family.
Rest Safely and Securely in God's Loving Arms.
James S Collins Jr
2007-09-05
My condolences to the family of Sgt. James S. Collins, Jr. I am honored to have had him as a true friend. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. I salute you, Jim! Shawn Dawson
James S Collins Jr
2007-09-05
Words do not describe my feelings when I heard the news. Thank you for giving the ultimate sacrafice for our freedom. Jim was a one of a kind person and I had the privledge of calling him my friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Collins family.
Greg Drury
James S Collins Jr
2007-09-04
My heart is heavy as I heard the news. My best friend is in the same platoon as James and am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you all our in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and be with you in this difficult time.