James Bruce Collins, known affectionately by his childhood nickname "Bud" to family and close friends and as "JB" by most of his working associates, passed away restfully in his home on August 14, 2023, at 88. He succumbed to the symptoms of extended health issues which began to dominate his life in 2019. JB was a Christian, a man of faith and a voice for Jesus Christ in his family, church, and community among those he met. He is survived by his wife Leeona Catherine Dover Collins, two children Johnny Bruce Collins of Anderson and Deborah Collins Kelley of Morganton, Georgia, six grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and a sister, Betty Jean Presley. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Ira and Sara Jane Wilson Collins, two brothers John Henry and Lee Roy, of Toccoa and two sisters Louise Ansley and Ruby Thomas of Toccoa, Georgia. JB was born and grew up in Toccoa, Georgia where he met his wife Catherine of 71 years. Anyone who knew him at his work, knew he was a master craftsman. From his days as an apprentice at Trogdon Furniture and Toccoa Casket Company he came to learn the art of wood crafting that is rarely seen today. He moved his family to Anderson, SC in 1964 to work and ultimately manage the shop at Carolina Seating where his work is still present in churches all over the region. Much of the furniture in his own home he made by hand and was unmatched. JB went on to become a home builder for Norman Boggs Builders in the 70s where his real specialty became cabinetry and the finer finishes of homes. His most successful venture and expression of his was JB Collins and Son Cabinets in Anderson where he, along with his son Johnny, produced unique specialty finish cabinets for the home for more than 30 years. He has always been a lover of the outdoors and avid boater and camper. He and Catherine enjoyed going places with friends and family and staying at campgrounds and resort venues in their travel trailer. They loved going to the mountains as well as the beaches and were traveling regularly up until the time of his illness. In later years he enjoyed visiting places in Appalachia and Myrtle Beach as well as Daytona and others. Additionally, like many of us, JB was also a collector and enjoyed the simple acts of discussing and comparing the things in his cabinet with others. In all of the activities and work that JB was involved, the trait that served him best was his love of people. He never met a stranger and was interested in people purely for who they were and their life's experience. On countless occasions while traveling or even just being out in the public, you could find him engaged in conversations with total strangers. He was truly a man that thrived on human interaction. As part of the "silent generation" JB was anything but silent. From any event he attended to just being out in the community, you knew when he was around. He will be greatly missed by many, but all are grateful that he is at home with his Savior. The funeral service will be held Friday, August 18, 2023, at 11:00 am in the Chapel of The McDougald Funeral Home with Dr. Steve Silvey officiating. A private family burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Those serving as pallbearers are Chris Holmes, Shane Bridges, Connor Allen, Chad Kelley, Blane Clark, and George Kelley. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice or your home church. Events Funeral Service Friday, August 18, 2023 11:00AM Chapel of The McDougald Funeral Home 2211 North Main St. Anderson, SC 29621 Phone: 8642244343 Final Resting Place Forest Lawn Memorial Park 2609 U. S. Highway 29 North Anderson , SC 29621