Words by Anna Lee Vaughn | Images by Justin Hunter
James Collins completed his 28-year career at Kilgore-Green Funeral Home on December 29, 2023. Though James’s career path was unexpected, he soon learned it was where he was meant to be.
While working for a mobile home factory, James was offered his first position at a funeral home by a friend. This spurred a lifelong career where James eventually became the Assistant Funeral Director of Kilgore-Green Funeral Home in 1995.
Over the years, James has had many responsibilities and tasks, but he says his greatest responsibility was helping others. “When people were down, I tried to help make it easier on them, and I made relationships in the community. If you work in a funeral home and you don’t show compassion, you’re in the wrong business. I tried to help people at their lowest point because they were hurting,” says James.
Now, after 28 years and remission from a leukemia diagnosis nine years ago, James decided it was time to do something different. After his wife retires, the couple plans to move to Pensacola, Florida, to be with their daughter and enjoy life.
As James reflects on his career and looks forward, he sees a life well lived, a career in service of others, and a future in which to carry these experiences. WL
