John Thomas Collins passed away peacefully on August 24th, 2018 at Mission Hospital from complications following a Stoke and a fall in his home in Laguna Woods, Ca.He was one day shy of his 85th birthday.

John was an amazing man.He was a stud Marine at Camp Pendleton in the 50's, a wonderful loving Father to Barry and Courtnee, a great Father-in-law to Jorden and Michael, and an awesome Grandfather to Shelby, Jackson, Lucy, Kathy and Victor.John was a devout Christian and member of Saddleback Church, a great neighbor to his Laguna Woods community, and, by all accounts, the most selfless person you would ever want to meet.

We are so blessed and reassured to know that John is at home in Heaven where there is no more suffering.

John had a lifelong battle with hearing loss and underwent numerous surgeries, hearing aids and cochlear implants but he did not let that handicap define him.

He was always upbeat and happy and always looking for ways to help others.He had a great sense of humor and was always fun to be around, even when limping around on his cane, George.

John was a great businessman before he retired in Laguna Woods.He was a Vice President for both Burroughs Corp. and US Leasing in the Bay Area before moving his family to Fresno and buying a Telephone Systems Company, Executone.He later became a Realtor in Fresno and then continued in Laguna Woods. John was successful in whatever he tried because he worked hard and he cared about people.

John was born in Oklahoma on August 26, 1933.He was a Pastor's kid.He grew up in a small town and then attended East Central University in Oklahoma.After rising to the level of Second Lieutenant in the Marines at Camp Pendleton in the 50's, he would eventually go to work for Shell Oil Co. and move to Colorado which is where he met his future wife Sonya.They moved back to California and were married for over 20 years.Sonya passed away in 1992.

John loved Raiders football, Lakers Basketball, and all things Fresno State. He also loved whatever activity any of his kids or grandkids were doing. He enjoyed the shows, golf and sense of community he found in his little Laguna Woods neighborhood.He also enjoyed travelling and hanging out with his beloved Joellen Davis during his retirement years.

John was preceded in death by his older brother Ray and his older sister Mildred as well both of his parents and his best friends Duane Ring, Rex Bales and Bob Campbell. He was also preceded in death by his beloved golden retriever Sammy.I'm sure they are all having quite a reunion now swapping Marine Corps stories and, for once, Dad can hear everything that everyone is saying!

Services will be on Saturday September 1st, 2018 in Laguna Woods.

Please join us in remembering John. Through this site, we invite you to share your thoughts and fond memories with our family.