Jack Dale Collins, 58

Portland, Oregon
March 22, 2010

Agencies: Portland Police Bureau Oregon

Cause of death: Not Yet Known

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Last updated: almost 6 years ago

Overview

Jack Dale Collins, 58, died after being shot by a Portland police officer. The officer involved in his death responded to ‘a call of an unwanted person at the Hoyt Arboretum who was yelling at people.’ The crime scene diagram shows an x-acto knife and four shell casings.  His death was ruled a homicide by the medical examiner. No criminal wrong doing was found by the grand jury who heard the case.

Jack, also known as Jackie or Old Man Jackie Collins, lived on the streets of Portland for over twenty years. He was known as a private man who was often on the move.  People who knew him for years still knew very little about his life. He was estranged from his family.  He was said to be a peaceful individual and to have significant survival skills. He experienced addiction and mental illness and at times engaged in self-harm by cutting.

Jack was liked by those who knew him. He seems to have conducted himself with some grace and dignity.  He got through by his habit of staying out of the way. His loss has been felt by many who recognize the injustice of his alienation, struggles, and passing. He is survived by family members in Texas.