James Michael Collins

James Michael (Mike) Collins, 61, passed away at his home in Evergreen on May 15, 2010. He was born on April 2, 1949, in Spokane, Wash. The family moved to Columbia Falls where he attended school and graduated in 1967. He attended FVCC focusing on forestry. In 1969, Mike joined the Army National Guard, where he attended Officers Candidate School and later became a captain. He was highly recognized for his excellence in leadership, selflessness, and dedication to his unit, and received numerous prestigious commendations. His peers and superiors described Mike as a "diamond among many gems". He retired from the National Guard in 1993 after 34 years of service. During his service with the Guard, he also worked for the Forest Service and the Department of State Lands for several years, after which he went to work for Semitool for many years, until April of 2007.

Mike is preceded in death by his Brother, Wesley "Bubba" Collins, and his father, Waylon Collins, both of whom passed away within five weeks of Mike's passing. He is survived by his mother, Jean Collins; sisters, Virginia Darsow and Kathy Collins of Columbia Falls; brother, Windy Collins of Missoula; sister, Carol Davies of Bigfork; sons, Travis, Jarrod and Nathan Collins and six grandchildren in Colorado.

Mike was a kind and generous man, always putting others first. He was also a man of God and a friend to all. We love and miss you "Mikey." Thank you for being a part of our lives. Please give our love to Bubba and Dad and tell them we love and miss them too.

Military services are pending arrangements.

There will be a special prayer for Mike during services for his brother, Wesley and his father, Waylon, at the Eagles Club, at 1640 Highway 2 West in Columbia Falls on Saturday, June 5. Services will start at 1:30 p.m. Pastor Jim Holman officiating.