James H. McCollum, 77 of Huntley, Illinois formerly of Cedar Rapids, passed away on Thursday evening, September 3, 2015 following a lengthy illness.
He was born January 13, 1938 in Des Moines, Iowa the son of James H. and Ethel M. (Tompkins) McCollum Sr. He grew up in Des Moines and attended Iowa State University. He was united in marriage to Sandra S. DeVries on July 21, 1963. He graduated from Coe College in 1983. The couple made their home in Cedar Rapids where Jim worked at Rockwell Collins for 40 years, retiring in 2003. In 2010 they moved to Huntley. He was a longtime member of New Covenant Bible Church in Cedar Rapids. He enjoyed woodworking, spending time with his family and grandchildren and biking on Mackinac Island with his wife.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sandy of Huntley, his daughter, Sheryl (Brian) Law of Hoffman Estates, IL, his son, Michael (Brenda) McCollum of Apple Valley, MN, his grandchildren, Ariel, Katherine, Connor, Rebekah, Madeleine, Ian, Benjamin, Lillian, David, Phoebe and Lucie. He is also survived by his brother, Grant McCollum of Des Moines. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sue Hansen.
Visitation will be held at DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral & Cremation Service on Monday, September 7, from 1 to 3 PM. A memorial service will be held from 11AM to 1PM on Saturday, September 12th at the New Covenant Bible Church, 3090 N. Center Point Road, Cedar Rapids. “For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.” Is. 55:12
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It is with much sadness we recognize the loss of another Collins engineer. Had known Jim since the early 80's and found him to be an irreplaceable source of knowledge. PLease acceot our condolences on your loss. Jim was a super guy, great personality and firm believer in the Lord Almighty. Cherish the memories of this great man. Bill Lambing Greenwood, IN Collins 2002 Retiree
Condolences in the loss of a great man. Worked with Jim on projects in Training and Field Service over the years. Jim was always there to help and find you an answer for the Customer. Always a pleasure too work with Jim. Ron Habelt Hampton, Ga. Collins Field Service Engineer 1964-2005. Retired.
I am so very sorry for you loss. Jim was the epitome of who I refer to as one of the "good guys" that that I was blessed to have worked with during his long career at Rockwell Collins. I learned a lot from Jim. His integrity was uncompromising; his warmth and good humor infectious. Our lives intersected both professionaly and personally over the years. I remember telling stories when Sheryl happened to be the teacher for my son Chris at "tot lot", or when Sandy took a bad fall on the bike trail. Perhaps the fondest memory I have was spending time with Jim during flight test on the Goodyear Blimp in Akron Ohio. We have lost a very good man. My deepest sympathies to his family and all that that were blessed to know him.
So sorry to hear we lost a great man. Please accept my sincere condolences Sandy and Family. Jim hired me in 1995, I had the privilege to work with him and his generation of great engineers, and wonderful people. Rockwell Collins 1995-2010
Pat and I are greatly saddened to learn of the loss of Jim. I knew him both as a customer of Collins and as a colleague. When I was a customer I can confirm that he was a great representative of Collins, Then, in my early days at Collins he was a great friend and mentor to me - as fine an office mate as any newbie could wish for. Geoff Barrance
So sorry to read of Jims passing. Sure have great memories of the fun times we had at St .Joes events. We plan on being at the memorial service Sat. Please accept our deepest sympathy Sandy and family.