Joe L. "Shakey Joe" Collins' Obituary
Of Jackson, passed away October 27, 2022 at Henry Ford Jackson Hospital surrounded by his loving wife and family.
Joe loved anything to do with racing or firefighting. He raced at Jackson Motor Speedway back in the 60's and then went to flagging and later owning JC's Fire and Rescue that he and his son-in-law ran for many years at race tracks around Michigan. He worked as a firefighter at MIS from the very first race and for 40 years after.
He was a millwright by trade with nearly 30 years of service with Wyman-Gordon.
Joe was married to his wife Rose for 58 years. He will be missed by his family; brother, Ted; children Richard (Tami) Collins, Jeffery (Michelle) Collins, Joseph (Karen) Collins and Teresa (Dick) Bigford; his grandkids, Jessica Collins, Alyssa (Justin) Hritzak, Taylor (Josh) Wilson, Tyler (Kristin) Bigford, Torrey (Jake) Bigford, Tabitha (Shane) Bos and Travis (Amy) Bos. He has 11 great grandchildren. Joe was very proud of all his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Ruth Collins; his in-laws, Kenneth and Lois Froman; his brother, Kay; sister, Ann; and his great-grandson, Bennett King Hritzak.
Cremation has taken place. Per his request there will be no public services. The family will have a private gathering to honor and celebrate Joe's life.
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