FRIENDSHIP — James M. "Jimmy" Collard, 50, died July 10, 2013, surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in New Bedford, Mass., Aug. 26, 1962, he was the son of James R. and Nancy Rapoza Collard. Educated locally, he was a 1980 graduate of Diman Regional Vocational High School in Fall River, Mass.

Following high school Jimmy pursued his career as a machinist.

Moving to Friendship with his family in the late 1980s, Jimmy worked for more than 25 years as a machinist at Knox Machine in Warren.

Jimmy had a great love for the Friendship community, and was active in it. He was a member of the Friendship Lodge of Masons, serving as master mason for more than six years. He took great joy in spending time with his best friend and fiancée, Karen. Together they enjoyed many common interests, especially live music and dancing with friends at the Blues Club and Swing and Sway Dance Studio.

An avid New England Patriots fan, Jimmy loved traveling to Foxboro to attend games. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Jimmy is survived by his parents, James R. and Nancy I. Collard of Providence, R.I.; his fiancée, Karen Kaler of Friendship; his daughters, Laura Collard of Rockland and Catherine Collard and his grandson, Lukas James Willis, both of St. George; his siblings, Lisa C. Provost and her husband, Paul, of Johnston, R.I., Kevin J. Collard and his wife, Maureen, of Rhode Island, Kristen M. Provost and her husband, Mark, of Narragansett, R.I., Tracy M. Robinson and her husband, Stuart, of Cumberland, R.I., Bethany Cicerchia and her husband, David, of East Greenwich, R.I., Peter Collard and his wife, Annette, of Providence, R.I., and Joshua Collard of East Providence, R.I.; as well as eight nieces and nephews; and his loyal dog, Max.

Family and friends are invited to visit Thursday, July 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. A mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, July 19, at 10 a.m. at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 150 Broadway in Rockland. The Rev. Richard Malo will officiate. Interment will follow at Harbor View Cemetery in Friendship.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, New England Division, One Bowdoin Mill Island, Suite 300, Topsham, ME 04086.

To share a memory or condolence with Jimmy's family, visit his Book of Memories online at Burpe, Carpenter & Hutchins.