James "Jim" Collier

James Earl Collier, 72, Seminole, OK, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on June 12, 2025, at Integris Hospice House, Oklahoma City, OK. 

Jim, as he was known by many, was born August 18, 1952, to Florence Sparkman Collier and Earl Collier in Seminole, OK. Jim was raised by his loving parents in Seminole, OK and lived his entire life on Haskell Ave. Jim graduated from Seminole High School in 1970, where he was a State Champ in tennis for Seminole High School. Jim was inducted into the Seminole High School Hall of Fame in 2009 for his achievement in tennis. Jim was a storm spotter for City of Seminole Emergency Management and was on Seminole Civil Defense. He was recently recognized for his 46 years of community service. Jim was a recovering addict and at the time of his passing he celebrated 31 years, 7 months, and 11 days of sobriety… one day at a time. Jim was passionate about his recovery and carrying the message to others. Jim was a trim carpenter for many years and later in life was a Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist. He was employed by Mental Health Services of Oklahoma and also Oklahoma Families First, retiring in 2024. Jim worked countless hours supporting drug court participants and sharing his experience, strength and hope with others. Jim was ordained as an Elder in the Community of Christ Church on June 1, 1997. In 1998 Jim and his wife Rhonda began a ministry, Recovery in Christ. Many lives were changed; he met all people with a welcoming hug and an “I love you” every time the doors opened. Many Recovery Bibles were given to those who came through the door. 

Jim is survived by his loving wife and high school sweetheart of 54 years, Rhonda Collier, daughter and son in law, Kristi and Jason Willis of Edmond, OK, son and daughter in law, Russell and Ginna Collier of Edmond, OK, son and daughter in law Kory and Brittany Collier of Shawnee, OK. Jim is also survived by his grandchildren, Kolby and Andrea Willis of Oklahoma City, OK, Kylie Willis and fiancé Arin West of Edmond, OK, Konner and Bailey Willis of Edmond, OK., Karson Willis, Kinslee Collier, Maebree Collier all of Edmond, OK., Emersyn and Kasyn Collier of Shawnee, OK. Brother and Sister-in-law Carl and Margaret Edgerton and sister-in-law Nancy Weyneth. Nieces, Megan and Brian Loving, and Whitney and Ryan Sheehy and 5 great nieces and nephews. Special cousins, Tommy Dale Austin, Bob Austin, Tommy Gene Austin, Chuck Austin and Susan Alcorn Taylor. Jim is also survived by numerous loving friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and Earl Collier and in-laws, Freeman and Norma Jean Whitlock.

The family will receive friends to pay tribute to Jim from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, June 16, 2025 at Swearingen Funeral Home.

 A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m.,Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Swearingen Funeral Home, Seminole and will be officiated by Carl and Margaret Edgerton.