James Elliot Collins was born on February 8, 1965, in Boston, the son of William Francis Collins II and Nancy Ruth (Sproul) Collins. 

James grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina and spent a few years in Connecticut and Pennsylvania before settling in Waxhaw.

 After graduating from high school in 1983, James became interested in cooking and went on to work in the restaurant business in a variety of roles including executive chef. He briefly operated his own restaurant before moving into construction during the 1990’s construction boom in Charlotte. Eventually, James returned to the restaurant business as a restaurant manager at several well-known steakhouses. 

James will be remembered for his humor and gregarious nature. He was known for his big smile and the ability to make people laugh. He loved NASCAR and had a personalized brick at the Carolina Panthers stadium formerly known as Ericsson Stadium. 

James passed away in the evening on Christmas Day. He is survived by his former wife Trudi Collins, the mother of his two daughters Cassie Collins and Claire Collins. He is also survived by his mother Nancy, brother Bill and his wife Terri of Grover Beach, CA, sister Elizabeth of Hatboro PA, and nieces Katie and Michele Ross and niece Ashley Kleese. He is also survived by his biological father Dan Connell and 2 sisters Joan Connell and Laura Camire with whom he connected later in life. 

A memorial service celebrating James life will be held in Charlotte, N.C. at a later date. If you would like to celebrate James’s memory, please consider a donation to Union County Animal Shelter, 3340 Presson Rd, Monroe, NC 28112.