James Collie Obituary

VIENNA - James D. Collie, 90, of Vienna, passed away peacefully at 3:29 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 2025, at his home following an extended illness.

James was born on Oct. 29, 1934 to Henry and Janie Paralee (Medlin) Collie in Massac County.

On Aug. 15, 1953, James was united in marriage to Glenna M. Murrie in Corinth, Mississippi. Together, James and Glenna shared over 71 years of marriage.

In addition to his beloved wife, James is survived by his daughters, Connie (Charles) Bremer of Glen Carbon, Debbie Cogdill and Jamie Petersen both of Vienna; four grandchildren, Doyle Bremer, Chelsea (Brandy) Bremer, Chandra (Nick) Homann, Sarah (Paul) Martin; great grandchildren, Olivia, Madilyn, Evelyn, Jocelyn, Ayla, Gage, Devon, Kolten, Addison, Cadence, Madison and Raven; as well as brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his siblings, Leone Koerner, Magdalene Wells, Rosalee Whitelock, and Jack Collie; as well as five infant brothers.

James was a 1953 graduate of Metropolis High School. He also had attended the Southern Illinois University Vocational Technical Institute, where he received certification as a welder.

As a teenager, James was employed by his older brother and two brothers-in-law in their business, Metro Brick and Block. He worked for a time as a guard at the Joliet State Prison before accepting a position with a General Motors Auto Parts manufacturing plant in Anderson, Indiana. Following the family's return to Southern Illinois, James worked with Glenna's uncle, Hartwell "Bud" Murrie, in his farming operation. James, Glenna and their family later moved to Carterville, where James was employed by Universal Match Company. The family moved to the Hillerman community in Massac County, and James began working for Missouri Portland Cement. First, he was employed as a machinist and later in the control booth where he mixed products.

James' true passion, however, was the land and farming. He is also remembered for his skill in "tinkering" on and repairing farm equipment.

A funeral service honoring the life of James Collie was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Richard Martin officiated. Burial followed at the Murrie Family Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Heather Harper Treat Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 98, Vienna, Illinois 62995; or to the Art Murrie Resource Center, c/o Simpson Baptist Church, P.O. Box 102, Simpson, Illinois 62985; or to the Murrie Family Cemetery, c/o Tom Murrie, 495 Murrie Lane, Vienna, Illinois 62995.

To share a memory of James or to leave an online message of condolence for his family, please visit www.baileyfh.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.