James "Jimmy" Collins, 70, of Dunbar, passed away at Cedar Ridge Nursing Home on Saturday, December 8, 2018 after a long illness.

He was born February 12, 1948, in Danville, to the late George and Ina Richardson Collins.

Jimmy was a 1966 graduate of Dunbar High School. He worked briefly for Tom's Grocery before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in 1967. He proudly served in the military from 1967 to 1988 and had tours of duty in Australia and Naples, Italy. He was a member of the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) flight crew during his last assignment at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City. Before his illness he loved to cook, fish, and play cards.

He is survived by his daughters, Lisa Collins West (Rob) of South Charleston and Angela Collins Chaney of Dunbar; granddaughters, Alisha, Megan, Amber and Victoria; brother, Richard Collins. He is also survived by his ex-wife and mother of his children, Cynthia Skiles Collins, who has been a tremendous help during this difficult time.

The family would like to thank the staff of Cedar Ridge Nursing Home for their care and compassion shown to the family.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 20, in Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar, with Pastor Michael Smith officiating.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar