Tributes

& Shared Memories
James T. Collins - VIP America Founder

James T. Collins

Owner and Founder of VIP America

On July 15, 2018, we said, ‘Good bye’, to one of VIP America’s founding members, Jim Collins.  Jim founded the company in 1997 along with his wife Joan and daughter Juli.  Jim’s passion and commitment for his company was evident as he worked tirelessly over many years to lay the foundation and build VIP America to what it is today.  He worked in the community with the Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s organizations.  Jim was a member of the Private Care Association and worked with them at state and national levels to insure the viability of such an important home health care option.

In 2008 Jim officially retired from the company he loved due to Parkinson’s and he also became a client. Being a client served to reinforce why VIP America was created in the first place.  To help people stay independent in place and to service both the client and the caregiver at their point of need.  Jim’s caregivers became like family, several caring for him 10 years until his passing.

We want to say, ‘Thank you,’ for your commitment and vision to a business that brings help and relief to those who need it.  VIP America will continue to strive for the ideas and excellence for which Jim worked on behalf of  the caregiver, clients and staff.

- Joan Collins

Gill White

President and CEO, VIP America

It is hard to express the sense of loss that the passing of Gil White, on February 11, 2017, has left on his family, friends, business and community.  The contribution Gil made in many areas will live on in all our hearts. Gil joined VIP America in 2008 as partner, President and CEO.  His ambition to lead the company paralleled his core values in the care of the elderly in their homes.  With 38 years of senior leadership experience in home care management he was instrumental to further grow VIP America Home Health Care.  Gil’s excellent leadership was not only evident in with VIP but in other community senior advocacy programs such as The Area Agency on Aging, Florida State Guardianship, Treasure Coast Senior Advocates and the Alzheimer Association to name a few. 

We remember the long hours Gil would put into the company.  He often traveled to the new offices he opened after joining the company and increasing VIP America’s service area from 5 counties to 16.   At the company BBQ’s he would put on the big white chef’s hat and checkered apron to work the grill.  He was soft spoken but a serious contender in the homecare business and he continued VIP America’s legacy.  Thank you, Gil, for your hard work and dedication!

- Jill Ball

Donna Catalfamo

When I tell people that VIP America is different in how we approach our Alzheimer’s and Dementia clients, it’s true. Our own families suffer, making this a mission to go the extra step in assisting families find the support they need. The caregivers that are referred have the Alzheimer’s and Dementia training which I like to call, “the select group” to provide the care this disease demands.

When you read what my sister did with her husbands ashes it’s true. In the Spring we plan to find him to reunite them again at Loon Lake, a special place that they called their own.  Please read this beautiful tribute to my sister who battled the haunting disease called Alzheimer’s. 

- Starr Reilly