Obituary of James M. Collis

Beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather Caldwell Police Captain James Michael Collis, 69, of Brick, NJ, formerly of Caldwell, NJ, passed away, after a brief illness, on Tuesday, April 26, 2016, with his beloved wife, Kathy, by his side. Jim was born in Newark, NJ to Robert and Roberta. He was raised in Verona, the eldest of 5 children and the only boy, Jim was the "King" of the Collis household. Mr. Collis proudly served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War era, and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1972. When he arrived back in NJ he joined the Caldwell Police Department where he served from 1972-1994, retiring with the rank of Captain. During his tenure Jim graduated in 1985 with the 140th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. Jim was an avid sportsman enjoying time spent hunting and fishing with friends and family. He cherished every opportunity he had at the White Game Club in Shohola, PA, fishing at the Jersey Shore and spending time with friends. Jimmy was a great friend to all who knew him…He was someone you could always count on, and he will be missed by his friends in Brick at the Knights of Columbus and American Legion. More important to Jim was time spent with family – the Collis gatherings around the country are infamous, especially at the "Collis Riviera!" Surviving are his beloved wife, Kathleen Ann (Britton); devoted children and their spouses, Brian and Diane Collis, and Caroline and Ryan Willoughby; cherished grandchildren, Darian, Siobhan, Kevin, Parker and Easton; loving sisters, Norma Palmer (William), Anne DeVestern (Mark) and Mary Lynne D'Alessandro; also many very special nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Kevin and sister, Kathleen Kragelund. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family at the Codey & Jones Funeral Home, 54 Roseland Avenue, Caldwell on Friday, April 29, 2016 from 3 – 7 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Aloysius R.C. Church, 219 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 11:00 am. The interment will follow at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Caldwell. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Knights of Columbus #836, 1065 Cedarbridge Ave. or the American Legion, Post #348, 822 Mantoloking Rd., both in Brick, NJ 08723. To share a condolence or memory, please visit www.codeyjonesfh.com.