(11/13/12) James A. Collinson, of Warwick, 96, died Monday, November 12th at the home of his daughter, Marianne Collinson, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of the late Helen (DeMars) Collinson. Born in Pawtucket a son of the late Albert A. and Mary Ann (Lee) Collinson, he lived in Edgewood, West Kingstown, and Florida before moving to Warwick 15 years ago.
Jim was the founder of Roto-Rooter in R.I. and worked there for 25 years before retiring in 1975. In retirement he worked for the Monahan Drabble Sherman Funeral Home in Providence and the Stowers Funeral Home in Brandon, Florida.
A proud U.S. Navy Veteran of WWII, he served on the USS San Juan and the USS Bush in the Pacific Theatre. He fought in 11 major engagements and took part in the liberation of the Philippines.
He was a member of the American Legion Post #1, the Association of the US Army, past member of the board of the Navy League and the VFW. He was a Captain in the Newport Artillery, a past President of the Gaspee Days Committee, and a former Fire Warden in South Kingstown.
Besides his daughter Marianne, he leaves a daughter Beverly Costello of Clearwater, FL, 5 sons: James of Cranston, William of Broadview Heights, OH, John of Cape Cod, Albert of Berlin, MA, Richard of West Kingstown. He is also survived by his thirteen grandchildren and his seven great-grandchildren and his beloved Colby.
The funeral will be held Friday at 10:30 am in Sts. Rose and Clement Church, Long Street, Warwick. Calling hours Thursday 5-8 pm in THE URQUHART-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, 800 Greenwich Ave., Route 5, Warwick (exit12A on I-95). Burial with military honors will be in the RI Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to VNA Care New England, 51 Health Lane, Warwick, RI 02886 or to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KN 66675.
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