Obituary

Herdie James Collier, Jr., beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on June 29^th, 2024. Known as Jim or Butch to his family and friends, he was born June 2, 1947, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Herdie Collier, Sr., and Minnie (Wessels) Collier. He graduated from Simon Gratz High School in 1965.

In the spring of 1965, Jim met his future wife, Janice Whitaker in Baltimore, Maryland. They stayed in touch while Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966. He served in the Army from 1966 to 1969, including service in the Vietnam War as an Airborne Radar Repairman. Jim and Janice were married on November 2, 1968, and welcomed their only child, Brian, on July 25, 1969.

After his Honorable Discharge from the Army, Jim moved back to Philadelphia with his family and began a career in Information Technology, working with several companies, including Sperry Univac, IBM, and Vanguard. Determined to provide for his family, Jim took college courses at night and earned a bachelor’s degree from LaSalle University.

Jim continued to work until 2008, when he retired to become a caregiver for Janice, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. In 2017, he and Janice moved to Costa Mesa, California to be closer to their son and grandson, Luke, who was born July 2, 2012. His devotion to his wife was an inspiration to all that witnessed it. He was at her side unfailingly until she passed away on July 27, 2022.

Jim was a strong, kind, loving, and supportive husband and father. His knowledge and guidance were the foundation of his family. Anyone who knew him knew him knew how important his immediate and extended families were to him. “Cousin Butch” or “Uncle Jim” was happiest at family gatherings, always taking pictures or giving sage advice to younger family members.

Jim was passionate about learning about the world around him. He enjoyed movies, reading, traveling, and a spirited debate. He faced every challenge in life with admirable strength and courage. He was a man of strong faith and a constant role model for the importance of family, hard work and integrity.

He is survived by his son Brian, daughter-in-law Silvia, grandson Luke, and a multitude of loving family and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.