John "JJ" Adrian Collins

John “JJ” Adrian Collins, 55, of Virginia died Friday, October 25, 2024 at Essentia Health-Virginia. 

He was born on February 14, 1969 in Minneapolis and was adopted by John and Beatrice (Adrian) Collins. John lived a joyous life, despite the difficulties of his physical limitations. He took great pleasure in things that most people take for granted. He had a great fondness for cookies, Cheetos and Christmas trees. He had a marvelous sense of humor and was known to be quite a prankster, giggling mischievously after pulling them off. John’s eyes twinkled when he laughed. He loved his friends and the staff at the group homes he lived in. Mostly, he enjoyed visits from his family, especially his mother. John was sweet and kind. He maintained a delightful childlike spirit throughout his life. John was easy to love and will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his mother, Beatrice of Hoyt Lakes; siblings: Tracy Hill of Eveleth, Willy (Melina) Collins of Farmington, Daniel (Kevin) Davis of Brooklyn, NY, Chris Bauer of Duluth, Becca Bauer of Detroit Lakes, Julia (Brian) Carlson of Hoyt Lakes and Brittany (Jesse) Taylor of Buhl; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father John “Tiny” Collins.

A private family service will be held and inurnment will be in the Hoyt Lakes Memorial Cemetery Columbarium. Arrangements are by the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora.