John Irvin Collins

John Irvin Collins Jr., 88, passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2014, at Great Oaks Assisted Living in Rigby. He was born on January 1, 1926, in Ranger, Texas, to John Irvin and Hazel Lucille Collins. He spent most of his early years in Alamogordo, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas. John's mother died when he was only six years old. Since he was the eldest of four children he had adult responsibilities even though he was but a child. He helped raise his younger brothers and sister, starting working as a cowhand at the age of twelve and was still able to graduate from high school with top honors. John served in the Army Parachute Infantry during WWII. He married Elizabeth L. Cole, on January 24, 1947, in Wilmington, California. He was working in California training and breaking horses at that time. In 1958, once again putting his family's needs before his own, he moved to Idaho Falls. He worked most of his adult life at the INL Site (NRF and Argonne West) as an HP. John and Liz moved to Irwin, Idaho, in 1969, still driving to the site every day. He enjoyed raising his horses and was instrumental in starting the Swan Valley Rodeo. After retirement he moved back to New Mexico to help out his brother and do what he loved most....Ranching! He served as Mayor of Hope, New Mexico, for three terms. John and Liz moved back to Idaho Falls in 2010 to be closer to their son and their daughter. John loved training horses and team roping. He was a cowboy through and through. John was extremely honest, ethical, hard working and very generous. He was one of a dying breed of True Western Gentlemen! Survivors include his son, John O. (Michelle McNamee) Collins of White Bird, Idaho; daughter, Nancy L. (Nick) Wade of Rigby, Idaho; grandsons, Shane (Heather) Collins and Kelly Collins, both of Corvallis, Oregon; granddaughter, Wendy Wade (Paul) Colwell of Boise, Idaho; sister-in-law, Emmie Collins of El Paso, Texas; brother-in-law, Jim (June) Dungan of Rigby, Idaho; and many nieces and nephews that he was very proud of and loved very much! He was preceded in death by his mother, father, one sister and two brothers and his wife Elizabeth. No services will be held at his request. Online condolences may be left at www.buckmillerhann.com.