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Dr. George J. Collins, Jr. Jim 68, born 11/19/1939 passed away quietly at his home on Wednesday, December 5, 2007. Jim was a devoted father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend to many. Jim grew up in La Grange, Texas, graduated from Texas A&M University and received an M.D. from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. Dr. Collins had a distinguished career as a cardiovascular surgeon and was widely recognized in his field; he was an Adjunct Professor of Surgery and was Chief of Surgery at Walter Reed in Washington DC, Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas and Madigan Army Medical Hospital in Tacoma, Washington. He authored and co-authored countless professional articles and was innovative in his field including editing a book entitled Vascular Occlusive Disorders: Medical and Surgical Management. Following retirement from the US Army, he enjoyed a successful medical practice of Cardiac, Peripheral Vascular and Thoracic Surgery in San Antonio, Texas from 1986-1994. He was a devoted caregiver to his patients and his country throughout his life. In recent years he volunteered with the Los Quijotes Medical Missions in Oaxaca, Mexico to bring much needed preventive and curative health care to the rural poor. Jim divided his time between his home in La Grange, Texas where he loved country life and a home in San Antonio to be near his children and grandchildren.Grandpa Jim spent the last 11 years of his life devoted to his five grandchildren. He was adored and will be remembered by them for his gentle demeanor and indulgences, fishing trips and outdoor excursions and the welcomed spot on his lap. His faithful presence at sports activities will be missed. Dr. Collins is preceded in death by his father, George James Collins and survived by his mother, Joan, his sisters Jerry Crumpler Don, Diane Murray Don, his brothers Dennis Stephanie and David Ann; his daughters, Lisa and Jennifer Robert Cevallos; his grandchildren, Gabrielle, Eliana, and Quinton Uribe and Juan Carlos and Paloma Guerra in addition to many nieces, nephews, cousins, uncles, and aunts. Jim was a friend and companion to many and was always available for a cup of coffee and reassuring ear. He touched the lives of all who knew him well and will be missed. Dr. Collins will be buried with full military honors at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Jim Collins Memorial Scholarship Fund for La Grange High School or the St. Marks Cardiac Rehab Center in La Grange, Texas. For further information, please contact: jimcollinsmemorial@gmail.com.

Tributes

George J. Collins, Jr. MD

November 19, 1939 - December 5, 2007