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Retired San Antonio Fire Lt. James (Jim) Calvin Collins was born on December 3, 1947, in Robstown, TX; and succumbed to the ravages of COPD and Congestive Heart Failure in San Antonio, TX on April 4, 2025. He was the sixth child and only son of Finis Peyton Collins and Velma Faye Wyatt. He grew up in the Calallen Area of Corpus Christi; and attended the Tuloso-Midway Schools, where he made life-long friends and fishing buddies. Upon graduation in 1966, he attended Del Mar College before transferring to Texas A&I University in Kingsville, TX. On 21 Jan 1971, he enlisted in the US Army Reserve with the 308 Topo(graphic) Company in Corpus Christi. Moving to San Antonio, he transferred to the 757 Light Equipment Maintenance Company until an opening became available at the 90th ARCOM. Eventually he transferred to the 321st Civil Affairs Group, from which he retired on 1 Sep 1992 with the rank of Master Sergeant. During his time of service, in addition to annual summer camps, he participated in three training exercises in Germany, a US-Mexico border readiness exercise, and multiple trips to subordinate command unit activations during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. On July 14, 1973, Jim married Dorothy Diane Dugi of San Antonio, Texas. On February 17, 1975, he joined the San Antonio Fire Department. While in the Department he graduated with a BA in Public Administration from Our Lady of Lake University. His years of service included shifts at various fire stations, the Fire Marshall’s Office, EMS, Communications, and he retired from the Training Academy on March 1, 2003. He served on The Grapevine staff as Editor and Photographer, which led him to black-and-white photo development with Hector Cardenas. He also volunteered at the San Antonio Fire Museum as long as his health permitted. Since they had no children, Jim and Dorothy enjoyed traveling. They attended several national and international Army and Fire Department conferences throughout the U.S. After retiring, they continued traveling to various locales, including four cruises with long-time friends and family. Jim started a monthly Poker game with a few SAFD Retirees, which continued at his home until his death. Jim is preceded by his parents, his sisters: Joyce Eaton, Barbara “Bobbie” James, Wanda Tirpak, Frances Martin, Geneva Dawe, and their spouses. He is survived by Dorothy, his wife of 51 years, several nieces, nephews, and numerous friends. Special thanks to Faith Stevens, Katie Kandagor, and the staff of Always Best Care for their caregiving assistance. Donations can be made to the San Antonio Fire Museum, 801 E. Houston Street, San Antonio, TX 78205, in Jim’s memory.

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James Calvin Collins

December 3, 1947 - April 4, 2025