- Date Of Birth: May 24, 1928
- Date Of Death: June 1, 2020
- State: Michigan
Born on May 24, 1928 in Coldwater Michigan died peacefully at his home in Portage Michigan on June 1, 2020 at the age of 92. Preceding Jesse in death are his parents Jesse Burl and Clytia (Peg) Marie Collins, his sister Edna Marie (Loren) Bolhuis and stepson Jamie Overloop.
Jesse grew up during the great depression and volunteer enlisted for service in the US Army in 1946 during the close of WW2 at the age of 17. Jesse was honorably discharged from the US Army in 1947 receiving WW2 victory and good conduct service medals. During the Korean War, Jesse again volunteer enlisted in the US Army in early 1951 serving overseas in Korea and was honorably discharged in late 1952 receiving Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars and United Nations Service Medal.
Jesse had been with Eaton Corporation for over 40 years in sales and retired in 1989. Jesse was also skilled in numerous trades and certainly knew his way around engines and machines. He had exceptional knowledge in a wide variety of subjects, seemingly – nothing he could not fix. Jesse was an avid outdoors-man, fisherman and hunter with much his free time spent at the Collins family cabin on the Tahquamenon River in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Jesse and Janice also were very active with square dancing and other social and church functions. Jesse was also an active member of the VFW and other organizations where camaraderie and friendships were cultivated. Jesse was a patriot.
Most importantly, Jesse was devoted to his faith and family. He was a loving husband, father and mentor. Jesse also had many great long-lasting friendships. He had an infectious laugh, smile and quick-whit humor that left a lasting impression on all those that knew him. Jesse is survived by his wife Janice A. Collins and three children: Daughters Sharon L. Greer of Portage, Michigan and Lisa S. Durant of Bakersfield, California, son Todd M. Collins of Portage, Michigan and step-daughter Laura (Karen Meyers) Overloop. Also survived are five grandchildren: Jessica, Christopher, Mia, Lance and Doug and 10 great grandchildren. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews, cousins and in-law family members.
