In Loving Memory of John Joseph Collins

"Jack"

February 8, 1945 – May 14, 2024

With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to a beloved husband, devoted father, treasured grandfather, faithful servant to the Lord, and cherished friend. Jack Collins, 79 of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, formerly of Darien, Connecticut passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family. He succumbed to a nearly three year battle to cancer that he fought valiantly with grace and determination.

Jack was born in Baltimore, Maryland, the third son of four children born to Eugene and Evelyn Collins. He graduated in 1967 from the United States Merchant Marine Academy with a mechanical engineering degree and served on merchant ships for four years, landing in many ports around the world. After leaving his sailing days behind, he worked for Ebasco in Manhattan, but found he was not a fan of commuting downtown to the World Trade Center, so out to the suburbs to work for a small engineering firm. One of his proudest moments was starting his own consulting engineering firm, Fairfield Associates, where troubleshooting the HVAC systems in large buildings in Manhattan became his specialty.

Jack was devoted to his wife and family. He was a man of integrity, kindness and warmth, and for those who really knew him, a man of few words. As a father, he was a pillar of strength and wisdom, imparting invaluable lessons to his children. He was the fun dad in the neighborhood that would take the kids "exploring", wading in the trickling brook behind the house, and crossing over to the small island to discover what treasures might be there. To a few, he taught the lifelong skill of fishing in that trickling brook, catching mostly small sunfish, but maybe if you were lucky, a small bass. As a grandfather, he shared his wisdom and guidance, shaping the lives of his grandchildren in profound ways.

Jack was devoted to his service to the Lord. He served on the Vestry at St. Paul's Church in Darien, CT and was master griller at the Annual Picnic. At All Saints Church in Pawleys Island, SC he established and became the leader of Celebrate Recovery, a Christian 12-step program.

Lastly, Jack was devoted to his golf game, one of his great passions in life. Whether it was a leisurely round with family or friends, or a tournament match, he approached the game with a competitive spirit that inspired all that played alongside him. He loved sharing his passion with his grandchildren and friends.

Jack is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Barbara Broadbent Collins, a son Christopher (Tracey) of Queen Creek, Arizona and daughter Shannon Clarkson of Wake Forest, North Carolina, his sister Sally Wiley (Edwin) of Vernon, New Jersey and sister-in-law Karen Collins of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. His four grandchildren, Michael Robbins (Amanda), Finley Clarkson, Addison Collins, and Harper Clarkson will forever miss his loving presence. He is also survived by many cousins, and nieces and nephews that are lovingly referred to as the Collins Clan who will forever cherish his memory.

Celebration of Jack's Life: June 1st at 11am at All Saints Church, Pawley's Island, South Carolina with a reception immediately following at the Collins' home.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Celebrate Recovery in care of All Saint's Church , 3560 Kings River Road, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, in honor of Jack's memory.

The family wishes to thank Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home (Georgetown) for their kindness and support at this time.