December 20, 2016 Happy 90 Birthday, Jim! May the memories

December 20, 2016

Happy 90

Birthday, Jim!

May the memories, stories, laughter and

love captured inside this box remind you

how special you are to each of us.

With Love,

Your Family and Friends

Dear Jim,

I am so lucky you are my husband. Thank you for the joy and

happiness you’ve brought me. You have left footprints on my

heart and I will never be the same. You’ve made me, our family

and our world better. I love you today, tomorrow and always.

All my love, all my life,

Carol

Dear Dad,

It is hard to believe that I just celebrated 65 years of life and you are now celebrating

90. I could never have imagined this life that I have been so lucky to have, all because

of you (and mom, of course)! As a young girl, I watched you as you worked so hard to

build a business, from my vantage point under the counter at Hamburger Handout, to

working with you at Collins Foods, Sizzler and now standing side-by-side with you,

working to strengthen our community, supporting invaluable nonprofits, the Y, the

Boys & Girls Club, and more, to give life opportunities, as our family has been so

fortunate to have, to wonderful young people and their families. I am so grateful and

appreciative of your wisdom, confidence and trust in me, and most of all, I am so

thankful for your unending love. I love you so much!

Xo,

Cathy

Happy Birthday Jim!

You’ve reached another milestone, and we’re proud and

thrilled to celebrate ninety amazing years with you.

Here’s to many more great achievements to come!

With love and joy to you on this special day,

Ed, Cathy, and Natalie

Dear Papa,

Happy 90th Birthday to the most wonderful grandfather!! I am so blessed to

have you in my life. Thank you for believing in me and supporting all of my

academic endeavors. It meant so much that you could be there for every

birthday, graduation and performance. I was so touched that you and Momo flew

to Ohio to watch me receive my diploma. Your Westside YMCA legacy is

something I am so incredibly proud of and grateful to have experienced myself. I

have learned through your example how very important it is to invest in the future

and in youth. There are too many memories to count, but each one holds a

special place in my heart. Thank you for showing me the world! I love you and

can’t wait to continue celebrating your epic life!!!!

~ Natalie

Dear Dad,

Thank you for everything you do.

Happy 90th Birthday.

Love,

Kelly

Dear Popo,

First I’d like to congratulate you on getting to 90. Wow!! What a

great accomplishment and I am really thankful for your like. How

you have been such a great grandfather to me and a great

person as well. You truly are someone who has worked hard

for a long time and I admire that very much and I like how

generous and caring you have been to my family and I. I know

that there are still more years to come for you. God Bless You

and Happy 90th!!

Sincerely,

Branden

P. S. I’m absolutely positive you will make it to 100! :)

Dear Popo,

I feel very blessed to wish you a happy birthday and I love you very much!

Your always in my mind and in my heart and I am always thinking about

you. I am happy for the good example you have been for Branden it really

means a lot I admire how much you love life even though it is more quiet

but it very strong. Just by remembering the first day I met you brings me so

much joy!! Thank you!!! I want you to know that we love you very much.

Happy Birthday!

Love,

Paty

To my dad . . .

Dad, I just want you to know that you have

been the best DAD anyone could ever hope

for!! You have been there for me and loved

me so much. Your light will guide me for the

rest of my life. I thank you DAD for being you.

I love you.

Love your son,

Michael James Collins

Dear Dad,

First of all, Happy 90th Birthday! How can I express how much I love and

admire you? You have made me and everyone around you a better

person. Everything you do, you do it with the purest intention to do good

and to help others. This has made such a huge impact on me. I have so

many good memories I wanted to share with you a few of my favorites.

One of my fondest memories is you saying to the family “Who wants

to go to Venice Pavilion to serve turkey dinners?”. Off we would go on

xmas day to serve the homeless a wonderful meal. I always left feeling

so good and happy that we were helping people and you made it a

fun family affair too!

I remember starting to run at age 11 or 12 just so I could be with you

more. I missed you and wanted to spend more time with you. I

realized that I could have you all to myself if I got up at 5:30 am with

you and we did! We ran San Vicente together for the next 6 years -

including lots of 10K’s, long runs, UCLA track workouts, Ocean avenue

and running camps!

Another wonderful memory I have is you and I learning how to play

backgammon together. We then went on to learn many more games.

You and I would play games when you came home from work and I

got home from school. I loved spending that time together. We

laughed and giggled but we both wanted to win.

Dad, you were such a busy CEO and you had so many obligations but

you always made me feel important. You never ever missed anything

that I was doing - a sports game, a play, a try-out, a Marlborough

father daughter picnic, father-daughter dance, or birthday. You always

make me feel special. Thank you for that!

You have given the whole family the foundation for a beautiful life.

Family, friends, giving back, never giving up on your dreams, always

putting God first, and family and friends and neighbors and most

importantly - you always gave God the credit. You always said “God

Blessed you!” And he did!

Thank you for being the best husband to mom! You really are the

husband that every girl hopes to find and the husband every boy

hopes to become. Thank you for that example. Thank you for making

her so happy all her life. What a gift to your family!

Thank you for being you! You are the rock of our family and the one

we can count on to come to with any question or problem. You are our

“go-to” guy. You always have the time to listen and to help us find the

answer. Even if it’s late, you might say “Can I sleep on it?”. And you

do……….. but you always have a great idea in the morning.

Thank you Dad. There are no words to say how much and how deeply I

love and admire you. None! All I can say is you have been the greatest

Dad a girl could ever hope to have. You are my hero, my rock, my best

friend. And I thank God that you are my dad!!

I Love you Dad!

Lissa

Dear Papa,

Happy Birthday to you! I’m not sure how to begin to put into words how important you

are to me, so I’ll just begin by saying that you are important to me. You are important

to me in more ways than you might even know. I am luckier than most to have a house,

a college degree, a business and all the things in between to paint the picture of a pretty

much perfect life. All of which I have been able to attain, in large part, because of your

generosity and support. However, despite feeling so grateful for the opportunity to

have all these things, what I am most thankful for is the opportunity to know you.

Because by knowing you, I have learned that houses and degrees and fame and fortune

are not the substance of life. They do not make us happy and they do not make those

around us happy either. Character, self-discipline, determination, attitude, compassion

and empathy - these are the things that matter most.

You have never taught me these lessons by sitting me down and lecturing me on the

meaning of life. You haven’t needed to because it’s just who you are. I’ve been

watching you my whole life. I see how you are kind and respectful to people and like to

make everyone laugh. I see how you are always humble despite your achievements and

good fortune. I see how important your family is to you and how you always make

them a priority. I see how you are positive and grateful for this precious time we have

on earth. I see how you give to your community and those less fortunate than you and

how dedicated you are to helping others. Thank you for showing me these things.

Thank you for giving me an example to follow and for teaching me that we have the

power to create a life full of love and meaning. I hope one day my children and my

grandchildren will learn from me because I have lived a life inspired by you. I hope

they will also try to be kind, try to be giving and always have a good joke.

I love you Papa!

Mel

Dear Jim,

Congratulations on your 90th Birthday! I hope it is a

special one surrounded by friends and family. Thank

you for welcoming me into the family and being such a

huge support to Melanie and myself. The manner in

which you have been able to build your business, raise

a family, while being so active philanthropically and

socially shows amazing character and stamina! You

are a true inspiration and role model for us all.

Tom

Papa,

Congratulations on this momentous achievement. I can’t begin to tell you how much of

an impact you have made on me in my life. I am very grateful for all the lessons and you

have taught me.

Most of my favorite memories involve you and me at UCLA sporting events. When I was

younger, you used to take me to John Wooden’s chair at Pauley Pavilion and introduce

me to the legendary basketball coach. You would tell him that I was your grandson and I

was a huge Bruins fan. This is a memory that I cherish. I still have a personally signed

Pyramid of Success hanging in my room that you gifted to me. It reads, “To Alex, with

best wishes. - John Wooden”. A very special gift that I appreciate to this day.

Yours and Momo’s selflessness and ability to lead by example have always inspired me.

When I am faced with a difficult decision, I always ask myself, “how would Papa approach

this problem?” Your character and values have helped me to always make the right

decision - even if it is a difficult one. I love you so much Papa. I look forward to many

more years of UCLA events and spending quality time with you and the family.

Love,

Alex

Dear Papa,

I can’t believe how quickly time has flown by! Just 3 years ago I was enrolled at

UCLA where I had the opportunity to see you and Momo almost every day of the

week. What I miss most about those days was my access to you, your stories, and

your relationship with Momo. You’ve been able to lead such a model life up to this

point, a life that we all seek to take pieces from and recreate in our own image. I

think your strongest characteristic has to be your integrity. Your marriage as well as

your business relationships are all so strong because the people you engage with place

the ultimate trust in you. When you say something, you mean it, and you stick by

your words with action. These are qualities that I try and emulate every day because

I also aim to be a trustworthy friend, brother, husband, and business associate to those

around me.

Anyways, I can’t thank you enough for the influence you’ve had on my life thus far. I

consider myself lucky to have spent so much time with you and I look forward

spending many more years learning from you at your side. Happy 90th Birthday

Papa! I love you so much! And here’s to many more!

Best,

Trevor

Dear Jim,

I am so fortunate to work for you. For the past six and a half

years, you have treated me with respect, kindness and

compassion. I admire your achievements in business and

philanthropy and, most importantly, the dignified manner in

which you live your life and treat everyone around you. You have

taught me the art of being humble and staying positive regardless

of the situation. I have learned so much from you and I

appreciate all that you have done for me. Here’s to, at least,

another six and half years!

Warmest wishes on your 90th Birthday!

Mona

Jim,

Congratulations on your 90th Birthday! Andrea joins me in

wishing you, Carol, and your entire family our very best wishes on

this wonderful occasion. Throughout my 20 plus year relationship

with you during my head coaching tenure, and the 20 years that

followed it, I can candidly say that I met very few if any men that I

admired, respected, or wanted to be more like than you. Your

love for your university, your commitment to athletics, and your

never ending generosity were a living example for me and

something I will never forget. No one has ever given more and

asked for less than Jim Collins. I thank you on this your 90th

Birthday for the standard that you set and the example that you

lived. I am honored to call you my friend! You are simply the

best!! Happy Birthday and may God bless you and all your loved

ones on this great occasion.

Terry

Dear!Jim,!

What!an!honor!to!know!you!and!to!be!able!to!recognize!you!on!

your!90th!Birthday.!Valorie!and!I!have!so!much!respect!for!you!

and!your!family.!You!have!accomplished!so!much!in!your!lifetime!

yet!have!remained!grounded!and!humble!in!the!process.!Your!

history!of!helping!other s!a n d !su p p o rt in g !so !many!w or th while!

causes!is!a!shining!example!for!us!all.!!

Sending!our!love!and!respect,!

Bobby!and!Valorie!

Dear Jim,

How blessed we are to have you as a friend for these many years. Thinking of you fills

us with a myriad of wonderful memories. From the first days of our early friendship

when we had begun to work together as UCLA Alumni we realized that you are a most

remarkable person. You were always at the meetings, always available for the staff and

for consultation, and, you always accomplished just a little bit more than everyone else.

The time that we have spent with you over these years has been a real joy!

Working with you and being with you at the academic events, the business meetings

and the social events were great, however, the best times, the times we will always

cherish the most, were the many ups and downs we shared with you over the years at

the football and basketball games! Even time spent of the practice field sitting in the

bleachers was fun and our many trips with the teams for away games create special

memories of their own. You put together the very, very best Rose Bowl Box ever. What

warm thoughts we have of those wonderful years spent rooting for UCLA, with people

we loved being with, brings to our hearts. Along with Hoyt Pardee we were able to

keep Terry Donahue at UCLA. How great did that turn out to be!

You and Carol have given of yourselves to UCLA and many other charities both in

personal time, effort and emotion as well of your wealth. Through all of these

magnificent accomplishments you have always downplayed yourselves. What

outstanding people the two of you are! We are indeed blessed to call you a special

friend and you hold a very special warm place in our hearts. Happy, Happy,

Happy Birthday!

Sent with love,

Paul and Gloria Griffin

DEAR JIM,

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 90

! I AM SO PROUD TO BE

YOUR FRIEND FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS. YOUR LEADERSHIP

AND PHILANTHROPY HAVE BEEN AN INSPIRATION TO ME AND

MY FAMILY.

OUR PARTNERSHIP IN THE WESTSIDE YMCA IS AND HAS BEEN

ONE OF THE GREAT PLEASURES IN LIFE.

ALL THE BEST,

RON KATZ

Dearest Jim,

We’re not sure you can imagine the influence you’ve had in

shaping our adult lives. Aside from our parents, you have been

our most important mentor. You’ve shown us what it looks like to

live a life filled with purpose and meaning and love. You are

humble, gentle and kind; your actions and words are the same;

you are beyond generous with your time and treasure; you keep

Carol and your children and grandchildren at the center of your

world. We love you so much and will always be grateful for the

tremendous support you’ve given us over all of these years, for

getting to do great work together, and for having you with us to

share in many of the most important milestones in our lives (like

our wedding!). Happy 90th! Looking forward to celebrating so

much more with you!

Love,

Dana and Todd Katz

Dear Jim,

Am sending this short remembrance of our early relationship; I want you to know I’ve never

honored one so worthy and iconic. In the mid ‘60s my family (Pop, Uncle, & self) were

operating at the time 2-3 full service coffee shops in South East LA County (Huntington

Park/So.Gate/Lynwood); At the time we featured $1. chicken in a basket, clover roll, fries,

plaid napkin & long stem ice cream; And we called it “finger-licken-chicken”. In time

received note from an attorney to cease using this moniker of finger-licken-chicken as it was

proprietary to Collins KFC operations; My knowledge of Collins was as a major patron of

our school, UCLA, and a reputation almost sainted; I called him, introducing myself, and

described the scenario of finger-licken-chicken. After thinking for a moment he told us to

continue using this for the 3 restaurants and no one would bother us!! Unbelievable giving &

helping; And this was just a start of my following his career & success; We’ve become good

pals, Carol Collins & Family are all just as nice; To me, Jim Collins will always be the face

of Hospitality and I will never turn down a request for help, hoping to emulate my mentor &

good friend, Jim Collins. Our Worlds are definitely better places with him in it.

Sincerely,

Jeff King, King’s Seafood Co.

Jim,

My family and I want to wish you a happy and

healthy 90th Birthday.

We are confident that the next 90 years will be as

wonderful as the first 90!

All the best,

Brandon, Keren, Molly, & Georgie Koretz

Dear Jim,

From the first day we became friends, I have admired your business

success and commitment as a dedicated community leader. My respect for

you was one of the reasons why I was excited when invited to join the

Board of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. I am proud to have been

able to follow you as a leader of this great organization.

Of course, your leadership did not stop at the Y. You have contributed so

much of your time and resources to so many worthwhile organizations

and causes. What has impressed me over the years is that you

accomplished so much without seeking personal recognition. Beth and I

always have enjoyed our friendship with you and Carol. We wish you a

joyous 90th!

Bob Lowe

Happy birthday, Jim!

To a man of highest standards, a blessing to all he touches, here is my wish for

many, many happy returns. (You have a few years to catch up with Henry Tseng.)

Jim, I thought you might enjoy a look at a few Rotary photos. I’ve collected them

here: https://goo.gl/photos/8hpxTQJE8UfSLZx89. I took nearly all of these from

the club’s Flickr pages (all are accessible from the club’s website). I’ve picked one

to share here. Some of these are better than others, obviously, but hopefully they

will all bring back some fond memories. You’ll find in the collection an article by

Hap Gilman, who I believe was club president when you joined back on February

26, 1953. That was from the club’s 25th anniversary book. From the club’s 50th

anniversary book you will find your own article discussing your year as president

(1962-1963). You will also find a few club photos, one with you as a yearling!

I look forward to seeing you every Thursday - and Sundays too - for many years

to come. Once again, Happy Birthday Jim.

- Ron

Jim,

You have been an inspiration to me in so many ways. Your selfless help and

advice when I worked in the Athletic Department was invaluable. Your

generosity to both the University and the Athletic Department was unparalleled

and quite frankly allowed us to reach our potential and great achievements.

And, you never, never asked for anything in return.

If there is any person I can think of that has emulated many of our beloved

Coach Wooden’s great virtues, it is you. You have been a role model for me and

I will continue to give back as I have learned from you. It is truly a rewarding

and fulfilling feeling. As I drive through Los Angeles, I see your philanthropy

throughout the city. You have touched the lives of so many individuals through

your generosity and example. I feel so privileged to have known you and your

great family. Happy Birthday and many, many more.

With deep appreciation,

Angelo Mazzone

Jim,

On this occasion celebrating your ninetieth birthday,

we began recalling all of the ways our lives have

intersected over the years. There have been quite a

few of these encounters, such as:

∗ Long time Rotary Members

∗ Sunday Scramblers dinner partners

∗ Swing Club golfers

∗ Summer Olympics travelers

∗ San Vicente joggers

∗ Rose bowl box mates

∗ All things Bruin

∗ Barcelona Olympics - 1992

We have enjoyed these encounters and hope you have

too. We send you our best regards on your birthday

along with a great big Bruin 90-clap:

“Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap,

clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap,

clap- MISTER – JAMES – A. – COLLINS – RAH –

RAH – RAH”

Roslyn and Don Nelson

Like so many of Jim’s admirers, Chris and I first met Jim while he was “telling his

amazing business story” at a YPO function. I next heard him while I was attending

UCLA’s Executive Management’s program and again he was the guest speaker.

Though Chris and I would see Jim and Carol from time to time, including YPO and

CEO events, we really became close when Jim surprised me by agreeing to serve as our

first independent director of the newly formed AECOM. At the time, we had 3300 staff,

with revenues of about $300 million, and a much leveraged balance sheet. We had just

initiated a management-employee buyback from Ashland. I told Jim, “I’ve heard your

story---you are an engineer, and one of the few that have built a multi-billion dollar

publicly traded business---we need to you to guide us to the same levels of success for our

employee-owned business”.

Little did we know he would do just that, providing AECOM the guidance and wisdom

in his typical “low key”, gracious, and modest manner. Today, AECOM has 95,000

employees and it is the largest business in Los Angeles, and with revenues of $19 billion

it is the largest engineering & construction company in the world. Jim made our

employees very happy too as we created more than $1 billion of value for them.

More importantly, along the way, Carol and Jim became very close friends, enjoying

our times together at CEO and YMCA events, LACC Christmas parties, our board

retreats in exotic places, UCLA football games, lunches, and our fun bridge games at

home. Today we even share our trainer…hard to get any closer than that!

One of our favorite ventures was to the Kentucky Derby, as Ashland would put on a

CEO type weekend party each year for their executives, board members and clients. For

Chris and me, it was special opportunity to be able to “show off” Carol and Jim. For

“General Jim” I’m sure it was a double treat to also be celebrating in Colonel Sanders’

backyard. As with every party they attend, Jim and Carol were everyone’s’ favorites.

My “buttons were popping with pride”!

- Richard

Jim,

It is remarkable to contemplate your 90th birthday on December 20th of this year. Time truly

passes quickly. Our lives have intersected in so many ways...and, I am deeply grateful.

Westwood Methodist Church, Westwood Village Rotary, Bel Air Bay Club, Los Angeles Country

Club and The Swing Club. In addition, we share _kai_ through Beta Theta Pi...you at Miami of

Ohio/UCLA and I at Illinois. You have been and continue to be a role model for me beginning over

35 years ago. When faced with complicated decisions I often ask... “what would Jim Collins do?”

And, I know you have positively impacted so many others and their lives with your example and

generous spirit.

Included with this message is a photo taken on Thursday, October 2, 1997. You, George, Walt

and I received the 2nd Place, Low Net Award in the South Course Opening Tournament held on

that day. As you can see...we were four very happy fellows. Although our golf was less than

perfect...the friendship and fellowship were outstanding!

Debby and our entire family (Rachel, Brett, Leo, Ben, Stacy and Jacob) wish you a wonderful birthday!

With love, gratitude and profound admiration,

Steve

DEAR JIM,

IT HAS TRULY BEEN AN HONOR TO SERVE ON SEVERAL BOARDS WITH

YOU AS WELL AS CALLING YOU MY FRIEND. MY FATHER WAS IN THE

RESTAURANT BUSINESS IN THE 1950’S AND 1960’S. HE WOULD BE

VERY PROUD TO KNOW YOU ARE MY FRIEND AND MENTOR. BEST OF

LUCK AND GOOD HEALTHY ON YOUR 90TH BIRTHDAY.

BEST WISHES,

BOB SPIVAK

To the truest Bruin ever at this wonderful

milestone moment.....

We celebrate your decades of partnership and

friendship and wish you joy, love and laughter on

behalf of your entire UCLA family.

With our very best wishes Jim, on your 90th birthday,

Gene & Carol

Dear Jim,

You have gathered a lifetime of fun, surprise, and generosity to

others. I am delighted we have shared many memories with you

at UCLA Anderson. Your dedication to UCLA Anderson is felt

daily by our students, faculty and staff through your naming of

the Collins Center, the endowed Jim Collins Chair and your long

standing leadership on the BOV. We honor you for inspiring us,

propelling us forward and for leading a life of significance and

impact. Happy birthday, and to many more!

Warmly,

Judy

JIM,

90 IS THE NEW “SUPER-NORMAL” AND YOU ARE

UCLA’S ULTIMATE SUPERMAN!

WISHING YOU THE HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS, OODLES

OF LOVE & ALWAYS AND FOREVER....

BIG BRUIN HUGS!!

CHEERS,

RHEA & ADAM

Happy 90

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JIM!!! I've known you for almost

twelve years now. This same time those years ago, the good

Lord worked a miracle of bringing Doris and me together

for our first date. Then, four months later, our wedding.

Life with Doris has been wonderful, and part of the delight

is getting to know you and Carol.

There are so many things about you that I admire and

affirm, but most important of all is observing the joy you

have in giving to the many causes you support. I will never

forget your heart-felt expression when you received that

distinguished award from your beloved University, UCLA.

You said you enjoyed making money, but even more, you

enjoyed giving it away. Your legacy of generosity is truly

remarkable. The Lord has pressed His heart next your heart

and you emulate His of joyful giving Spirit. I see the impact

of your contributions in so many strategic places. Soon, the

YMCA building will be finished and your name will be part

of name of the building. And I think of all the other

buildings, causes, and benevolent organizations you have

supported so graciously.

May the Lord whisper in your soul, “Well done, good and

faithful servant!”

-Lloyd John Ogilvie

Ninety years old???

Not possible that all those years (and memories) have passed by so

quickly...my memories of you, Jim, going back at least seventy of those

years....when Carol first fell in love with you and thus brought you into

our lives. Fun, shared birthday parties for our children and, of course,

“Hamburger Handout” (Not sure that’s the correct name). Then that fun

time working with both of you when you bought your first house in the

desert. Thank you, Jim, for buying that expensive tree, thus opening the

door for Carol to buy whatever she wanted for the desert house. What a

wonderful husband you have been to Carol and dear friend to me...even

taking me to The Billy Graham Crusade where I first noticed Lloyd up on

the big screen!! I could go on and on but it all adds up to being grateful to

have you as a friend all these past years.

Love you, dear friend,

Doris

Dear Jim,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I remember the first time I met you – it was 1963. I

was 9 years old and my Gra-Y Club (the Cobras) was playing Kelly’s club in

basketball in the old University Hi School gymnasium on Westgate Ave – my

Dad was our Coach. Although Kelly’s team won the game I played pretty

well and you took time to congratulate me afterwards. Of course after the Y

opened years later in 1971 I became a fixture with Cathy and the rest is

history. But I can’t thank you enough for your leadership and generosity in

making the dream of a new big Y come true for us Westside Y kids. So much

of what I am today was shaped by the experiences and opportunities given to

me in that Y. And you have been active every step of the way – leading with

warmth and enthusiasm and passion.

Fast forward to the late 90’s during a Metro Y Board retreat in Ojai – I was an

Operations SVP at the time. Somehow a discussion unfolded with Directors

about staff compensation and the appropriate level of transparency

communicated to staff. One of the Director’s suggested that in business

sometimes you just don’t tell the truth to staff. The Board was grappling

over the issue and finally and gently but so firmly you said that you had

always been totally truthful to customers and colleagues and that had always

served you well. The room was silent but everyone knew you had just

reminded us of what it means “to be your best”. Today it reminds me of one

of my favorite John Wooden quotes; “No written word nor spoken plea, can

teach our youth what they should be. Nor all the books on all the shelves,

it’s what the teachers are themselves.” So thanks for always being true to

your beliefs and never forgetting your roots. And happy 90th birthday to a

man I admire, trust, and love – who was just as successful in raising a family

as growing a business. So proud to call you friend – you and Carol, Cathy,

Kelly, Michael, and Lissa are family to me. Have a wonderful celebration!

Sincerely,

Alan

Jim:

Congratulations on reaching Ninety!!

Words I associate with you:

Hamburger chef, marathon runner, friend, philanthropist,

Rotarian, Service above Self, Entrepreneaur, Colonel Sanders,

Sizzler, Young Mens Christian Association, Board member,

Builder, Boys and Girls Clubs, Sponsor, UCLA graduate,

Contributer, “Man of the Year”, Philanthropist, Do-er, Husband,

Father, Grandfather, Friend, Activist,

“Sore Knees”, Giver, and always available.

So pleased to call you my friend.

–Don

Dear Jim,

Congratulations on your 90th! Wishing you Many Many

Happy Returns! May you enjoy Good Health and Happiness

as your journey towards the centenarian milestone.

“Age is an issue of mind over matter.

If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”

- Mark Twain

Best Regards,

Henry

(By Linda Hsia)

Dear Jim,

I want to express my gratitude for all you have given to me and our Y. You

are a role model for me and so many of our Y leaders. Our Y Board is

admired, and it’s all because of you! Your acts of kindness and generosity

have been a great support and are sincerely appreciated.

I knew the Westside Y was a special Y the minute I met you in 1994. One of

my favorite memories is when you hand delivered a welcome plant to me on

my first day on the job. One of many times your thoughtfulness has made

me smile. Please know that your impact on me and the Y is immeasurable. I

am so very proud to be the Executive Director of the Collins & Katz Family Y!

The Best Y ever! Happy Birthday Wishes on your very special 90th.

With Love and Gratitude,

Ann Samson

When I first stepped onto the campus of Cal Poly Pomona, one of the most

memorable things that occurred was meeting you. I had been in higher

education for what seems to be all of my adult life but I had never met

someone who was so passionate about a program and, more importantly, the

students that it served. You truly dedicated your time, talent and treasure to

establish the Collins College as one of the preeminent Hospitality Colleges in the

country where it remains today. You raised and donated money for buildings,

faculty and scholarships and even sustained the College until we were able to

enter it into the University’s budget. As busy as you were, I can remember going

with you to meet with prospective students and their families and listening to

you talk about what a great profession they could have in the hospitality

industry. You followed up by being a great mentor, a great Bruin, a great board

member, a great confidant, a great supporter, a great colleague and a great

friend, but mostly you are just a great human being. You are who I most want to

emulate in my own life. “I want to be just like Jim!”

This photo is very special to me because of the fond memories that Betty and I

have of spending time with you and Carol. Happy 45th anniversary of your 45th

birthday and I look forward to celebrating the 50th!

- Michael

To my Good Friend Jim,

Happy 90th Birthday! I often think fondly of my time with you. I

recall the first time we met when you came to visit in Las

Vegas and we shared a pizza at Metro. Your humbleness,

kindness, and thoughtfulness are unmatched and an

inspiration to me – every day. You have certainly made me a

better person – to my family, friends, colleagues, and students.

You continue to be an iconic leader in hospitality, but your

impact on education and young people’s lives transcends our

industry. I look forward to spending time with you Carol in the

near future.

Andy Feinstein

“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for

food will also supply and increase your store of seed

and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness”

2Corinthians 9:10

Words cannot express my sincere gratitude for your commitment to supply

the seed in which we, The Collins College of Hospitality Management have

created a harvest for thousands of students and future leaders in the industry.

You will never know the many lives you have changed through your gift of

education. On behalf of our students, happy birthday Sir and may you

continue to be blessed with a harvest of good health and happiness!

Gina Johnson, Director of Major Gifts

Cal Poly Pomona & The Collins College of Hospitality Management

December 20, 2016

Dear Jim,

Happy 90th Birthday to a great uncle and friend! Many thanks for

giving me my first legal job, for being such a champion supporter for

such wonderful and good causes and, finally, for being so fair and

honorable in helping carry out Poppy’s and Gammy’s wishes for all

of their grandchildren.

Lots of Love and Aloha,

Bill

Dear Uncle Jim!

I’m so happy to be sending all of my very best birthday

wishes to you along with an old photo from my

archives. This was Thanksgiving Day 1967 at 721

Fairview Avenue. Those were very happy times!!!

Love and blessings without number,

Claudia

Left to right:

Claudia (15), Cathy (16), Christy (10), Michael (8), Kelly (11), Lissa (6)

Jim,

How fortunate I was to get you as my brother-in-law.

You were always so nice, and we raised our kids side by

side. I have such wonderful memories of you, Carol, and

your children for which I am so thankful.

ALOHA and HUGS,

LuAnne

Hey Mr. Jim,

It’s JD wishing you the best birthday ever! Just wanted to let you know

what an honor and privilege it has been getting to know you over the past

two years. I will always cherish your amazing life stories, the many laughs

we’ve shared and getting to know UCLA and the Bruins like I’ve could

never have imagined.

Your integrity, your outlook on life and your love of family and friends

will always be the Jim Collins I have come to know and remember...

GO BRUINS!

James

Jim,

I can’t believe you are 90! This will be the 50th year I was either

with you, sent a card or gave you an unforgettable present. Maybe it

was your 55th that we had a stripper jump out of a cake! She still

asks about you.

Over the past 50 years you have done so so much for me it’s

impossible to cover all you have done . . . hiring me away from

Arthur Andersen, giving me the ownership in two KFC stores before

we went public, giving me a chance to run Collins Food Service, and a

chance to be President for 15 years - the list goes on!

Hope you have a Fantastic Birthday!

Dick Bermingham

Happy birthday greetings from all your friends in Collins foods ltd in

Australia. The thousands of employees who have worked for the company are

forever grateful for the opportunities you created. It’s hard to image that we

have grown from that first KFC in Kedron in 1969 to over 200 KFC restaurants

today in Australia and on December 1 we close on 11 new KFC units in

Germany. Sizzler continues to expand in Asia. The people first culture you

created is embedded in a DNA and is legacy that will live on.

On a personal note, I started working for you in 1979. It has been a great and

rewarding career. You have taught me a great deal. Thanks again and happy

birthday. I look forward to celebrating your 100 with you.

Regards,

Kevin and Laura Perkins

Jim,

Having the honor to get to know you through the Sizzler restaurant group has

been one of the most special opportunities of my career. You embody the ideals

that all of us strive for in your generosity, kindness, and caring while at the same

time being able to be a professional businessman. It is not an easy combination to

achieve. I have loved hearing the stories that you have shared with us and

having worked with John Y. Brown Jr. and being able to tie together the stories

he told of the old KFC days with your stories of experiences that you had with

him was incredibly meaningful to me.

You are truly one of our Industries Iconic Leaders and you have shown the way

for many of us who have longed to follow in your footsteps of Integrity,

Honesty, and a Spirit that thrives to be the very Best. May God truly Bless you,

Carol, and your Family on this momentous Birthday Celebration and may He

continue to watch over you in the Years to come.

With Deep Appreciation,

Kerry Kramp, CEO, Sizzler USA, Inc.

The opening of our Carson Sizzler which we are partners with Kevin and

Dennis Scott in and your daughter, the Mayor of Carson, Robert Clark and

Forbes Collins (both 30+ year employees of Sizzler)!!

Dear Jim,

Many Happy Returns to a man I have admired from the day I

first heard you tell your story! I enjoy trying to share your

stories with my young family and trust the memories will carry

on for many generations to follow, not just to hear but to be

inspired and live the dream!

Best Wishes,

Dwight George

(Collins Foods Limited - Australia)

Dear Jim,

I just wanted to pass on my best wishes for your 90th Birthday. Thanks for your pioneering

efforts in the industry and for all of Philanthropic efforts which have made the world a better

place. Today Collins Foods Limited completed the acquisition of 11 KFC’s in Germany. It’s an

exciting day here and your legacy lives on. Kevin tells me that this is not the first time that

Collins Foods has operated restaurants there so I guess we should say that it’s good to be back. I

imagine and hope that your wonderful family is treating you today for your birthday. I do hope

it’s a very special family time of celebration. I wish you good health and many more years of

happiness.

I know it’s not possible for you to travel down to Australia any more. I am remembering all the

fun times at the Collins Foods conference, particularly with our good friend Ross Brown aka

“Brownie”. One of my favorite features of those events were you telling the story of your

journey and the Collins Foods story to our entire team. My son now works in KFC at our

Grovely restaurant. It has taught him so many things, many of which will be lessons to last a

lifetime. Last year I celebrated 20 years with the Company. Collins Foods has provided for my

family all those years and I thank God for that. When I think about these things and remember

that all these opportunities would also not have happened if you and the Colonel had not taken a

risk all those years ago it just makes me say again and from my whole family, THANKS JIM! and

again HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Kind regards,

David Nash aka “Nashie”

Jim,

Just wanted to wish you a very Happy Birthday. I hope

you have a wonderful day filled with family, friends,

great food and some birthday cake!

All the best,

Forbes

Dear Jim,

Wishing you the happiest of birthdays. It just seems like yesterday that you

were on the 5th floor of the Jefferson office. How time flies!

I have been with for Sizzler 33 years now and want to thank you for

affording me the opportunity to work for the company you built. You have

touched many lives both in and outside of Sizzler. I’m a better man for

knowing you and wish you only the best, wanting nothing more than to

continue your legacy at Sizzler. Many thanks.

Happy Birthday!!!

Robert Clark

DEAR JIM,

WISHING YOU ALL THE BEST ON YOUR BIRTHDAY

MILESTONE. YOU HAVE BEEN AN INSPIRATION TO

US AND WONDERFUL FRIEND.

FONDLY,

SHARON & CHRIS BRADFORD

Happy 90th Birthday my dear friend Jim!

I can’t thank you enough for all you have done for me over the years. I am so blessed to

have had the chance to meet you back in the 90’s. You have been a true inspiration and a

reason I have had success a wonderful career in Boys & Girls Club work. I am so

delighted to be able to wish you a fantastic 90th Birthday and wish you many many more

blessed years. You have been a gem for the folks in Los Angles and the thousands of kids

that have been touched because of your kind heart, generosity and the love for sharing.

Thank you also for sharing your daughter Cathy with me. Because of you... we have

had an 18-year friendship that I am so lucky and cherish in the Dzubak home. Cathy

has been the greatest gift you have shared with us. Again, Thank you Jim!

Happy Birthday Jim and wishing you all the very best!

Lots of Love my friend!

JR Dzubak

and the gang....Grace, Nolan & Elle

Mr. Jim Collins,

Happy 90th Birthday Sir!

Much respect to you!

- Paul PK Kim -

Congratulations and

a very Happy Birthday, Jim!

Best,

Terry Tegnazian

Westwood Village Rotary Club

The world is a better place because of you and your faithful,

generous and wide-reaching interests in making life better for

so many people! Besides, you tell a great story.

We wish you a most happy and celebratory Birthday!

Bob and Judy Wessling

Happy Birthday Jim!!

In 1978 at Jim Downie house you said run the S.M.

marathon!! I did and 21 marathons later and many

10ks. because of YOU!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

Bill Pierce

Dearest Jim,

You are a very special person in my eyes. A man of accomplishment, a man

that has placed his mark in this world. Many come and many go and are just

a foot note. On the other hand, you have been a remarkable man to your

family first, friends which Rotary is one and you charitable contribution, and

all your employees. You have touched many lives in a positive way, and on

your 90th birthday I wanted to congratulate you for accomplishing another

milestone and wish you the most wonderful birthday of all.

Paul Aslan

Happy 90th Jim –

I promise - I thought you were 50!

Always enjoyed you at Rotary.

Best,

Sherry Dewane

December 20, 2016

Happy 90th, Jim.

You are now an official member of the “OFC” Club.

Congratulations and welcome!

Terry R.

Happy Birthday, so much to be proud of, Congratulations!

I will always treasure the memories of our time at the Sydney

Olympics, great memories! My very best wishes for your

next decade.

With respect and friendship,

Sally

Happy Happy 90th Jim!

Eleven years ago I met you when my office burned down.

You were so kind and offered me a space in your office and I

have been there ever since becoming part of the Greater

Collins Family. Couldn’t have picked a better man and

family to be around! So honored to have met you and geez I

hope I can make it to the grand age of 90 and counting!

Love to you and your family,

Jim Solomon