James Robert Collier

James (Jim) Robert Collier was a beloved husband, dad, papa, brother, and friend. He passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones on the morning of April 27, 2024, at 63 years old after fighting various illnesses.

Jim was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado on February 8th, 1961, to parents Odette Collier (Marchand) and Edward Scott Collier who preceded him in death. 

He is survived by his wife Katherine Anne Collier with whom he shared 38 beautiful years of marriage, three daughters - Samantha Nicole Cusenza (Christopher), Jessica Anne Jenkins (Wesley), and Danielle Marie Neveselov (Pecko), four siblings - Elizabeth Ortiz (Kent), Carol Shelby (Rainey), John Collier (Anne), and Domonique Saylor (David), six grandchildren - Riley, Jaidyn, Ellie, Stryder, Lucas, and Alex, and three cats - Mocha, Latte, and Scout.

Jim served 22 years with the United States Air Force (USAF) and retired from active duty in October 2003 as a Master Sergeant. A decorated veteran, Jim was recognized with an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, NCO Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and an Air Force Achievement Medal. While in the military, Jim earned his Bachelor of Science in Occupational Education from Wayland University in 2002.

Following his USAF retirement, Jim served an admirable 20-year civilian career in various Ammunition Supply roles at Hill Air Force Base and received several recognitions. Upon his civilian retirement in March 2024, Jim was awarded the Exemplary Civilian Service Award from the Department of the Air Force in recognition of his distinguished performance as Taiwan F-16 Provisioning Program Manager. He loved serving his country and the incredible people he worked with. 

Anyone who knew Jim knew his sense of humor and how he showed up for those he cared about. Jim loved to celebrate holidays, birthdays, and milestones; he had a way of making people feel special. He was a committed Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan, was voted “Mr. All Sports” in high school and played football and soccer with the United States Air Force while stationed overseas in England. 

Jim will be laid to rest at the Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park in Bluffdale, Utah on Monday, May 6th with full military honors. A graveside service will be held at 1 pm. 

A kidney transplant in 2010 allowed Jim to share 14 more years with his family and be present for many special occasions. His family will forever be grateful for that time with him. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Jim’s memory to the National Kidney Foundation through his fundraiser: https://kidneytribute.rallybound.org/HonoringJimCollier.