James F. McCollum Jr.
August 14, 2010

                        


Life Legacy

McCOLLUM, JR., JAMES F., 64, of Sebring, FL died suddenly, Saturday evening at Florida Hospital. Jim was born in Reidsville, NC; an Eagle Scout; attended University of Florida and a member of Chi Phi Fraternity; received his B.A.. from Florida Atlantic University and his Juris Doctorate from Florida State University College of Law. He moved to Sebring in 1972 and established his law practice and later opened American Service Title & Escrow. Jim was a very involved community leader; a past president of Sebring Jaycees, Sebring Chamber of Commerce, a founding member and past president of the Highlands Little Theatre; board member of Good Shepherd Hospice; Community Redevelopment Agency, Eagle Scout Board of Review, YMCA Primal Connection and served as a judge and board member for Heartland Idol. He proudly represented the Highlands County School Board as its Attorney for 25 years. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James F. and Dell McCollum and a sister, Delphine McAmis. He is survived by his loving wife of over 40 years, Sue and daughters and their husbands, Audra Lynne McCollum Bowers and Alejandro Bowers of Miami, FL, Amy McCollum Sullivan and Jay Sullivan, Charlotte, NC; grandson, Alexander Edward Bowers, IV; nieces, Kathy Sakats and Pam Harrell; Kristina Shasek Parker nephews, Brad McAmis and Edward R. Shasek. A memorial service 4:00 pm, Thursday, August 19th at St. Agnes Episcopal Church, 3840 Lakeview Drive. A celebration of Jim's life will follow at Highlands Little Theatre. The family suggest memorials to any of the following: Relay for Life, March of Dimes, Good Shepherd Hospice, Highlands Little Theatre,
Condolences or Life Stories may be expressed in his Guestbook. Morris Funeral Chapel, Sebring, Fl.

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Facts

Death: August 14, 2010
Place of Birth: Reidsville, NC
Occupation: Attorney
Organizations: a past president of
Sebring Jaycees,
Sebring Chamber of Commerce,
a founding member and past,
president of the Highlands Little Theatre;
board member of Good Shepherd Hospice;
Community Redevelopment Agency,
YMCA Primal Connection,
and served as a judge and
board member for Heartland Idol
Highlands County School Board Attorney

Preceded In Death By

James F. and Dell McCollum (Parents)
Delphine McAmis (Sister)

       Survived By

Sue McCollum (Wife)
Audra Lynne McCollum Bowers (Alejandro) Daughter
Amy McCollum Sullivan (Jay) Daughter

Memorial Service

4:00 pm, Thursday, August 18th
St. Agnes Episcopal Church
3840 Lakeview Drive, Sebring, Fl.
Click here for map!

Celabration Of Life

Following Memorial Service
Highlands Little Theatre
356 West Center Avenue, Sebring, FL.
Click here for map!

Guestbook

08/19/2010 - Frederick L. & Sharron E. Semon Sr
Jim was a good man, with a good heart. He always was there to help when you were in need. Even when just advice was needed. Our thoughts and prayers to his Family.

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08/19/2010 - Lena P. Conner
Many years ago when I was a rehabilitation counselor for the State of Florida Jim and I often worked together in situations involving community activities or mutual clients. I actually won an argument with him one time. He was chiding me on being a workaholic and I told him that was like the pot calling the kettle black. He had to admit I had a point. I think that was the one and only time I won in any of our debates. Miss you so much Jim. My heartfelt prayers for comfort and peace to Sue, Audra, Amy and the rest of the family.

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08/18/2010 - Kelly Marshall
Jim McCollum was such a kind man. I knew him as an attorney and as a family friend. He was very loved and well respected and he will be truly missed.

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08/18/2010 - Lena P. Conner
When no other attorney would stand with us on our rights to provide care based on our religious beliefs to our head injured son, jim fought for us in Federal Court and succeeded in getting the court and the insurance company to recognize our rights. It was a precedent setting case. Jim was also a long time mentor and support person to our daughter Heidi. He was a wonderful, talented man who gave back to the community far more than he received. Words cnnot express the sense of loss I feel. I pray that God will hold you close Jim and reward you richly for all you did for others.

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08/18/2010 - Heidi Smith
My sincerest condolences go to Sue, Amy, Audra and the Girls in his office. I pray you have strength and courage in this trying time.
With all my love
Heidi Smith

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08/26/2010 - Debbie Macon
Dear Sue, so sorry to learn of Jim's passing. Although we were distant relatives I always felt that Jim considered us "family" here in N.C. I remember your visits to Mother Grubbs. Please remember me to your girls. Debbie


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09/12/2010 - Kristi Polston
He was always a good friend and one of my favorite people to work with when I was at the courthouse. He will be missed.

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09/24/2010 - Eric Prugh
I just learned of Jim's passing and the news has left me deeply saddened. I respected the man on so many levels. His dedication, sense of humour, affability, and self-deprication illustrated his love of people and life in general. Sixty-four years is too short a time for us to have been given to know, love and have fellowship with such a bright light. God must have had a great need for him elsewhere, and that's one command performance none of us refuses.

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11/13/2010 - Barbara A. Black
I was employed with Mr. McCollum in 1999 and I was working as a Real Estate Paralegal. Mr. McCollum and I founded and started American Title Service & Escrow. He was a wonderful, kind person. I had the pleasure of having him represent me last year in an eviction transaction. He will be missed very much.May God Bless his family.

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11/28/2010 - Melissa
The holidays are leaving me at such a loss! Working for Jim for almost 10 years made him a second father to me! He supported me and pushed me to be the person I am today. In my interview with him, he told me "If you are anything like your grandmother, I need you working for me!" I became employed about an hour later. As trying and difficult as the man was to work for, losing him has been one of the biggest, if not THE biggest loss I have ever experienced. Not a day goes by that I don't hear his words in the decisions I make. Jim, I miss you so every much! I just wish we could have had a little more time! Love and Miss You!

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