Hamden- James Russell Collett, 74, husband of the late Lois Christensen Collett of Still Wood Rd., passed away in CT Hospice, March 3, 2004. Mr. Collett was born in Hamden, Dec. 14, 1929 a son of the late Robert and Myrtle Wallace Collett and was a lifelong resident of Hamden. He was employed at the United Illuminating Co. for 26 years as an area development consultant until 1976 and then operated the ''Jim Collett Real Estate Co.'' for 12 years until 1989. He served in the US Army military police during the Korean War. Mr. Collett was active in civic affairs having been Chairman of the CT Development Commission from 1975-1976, Vice Chairman of the CT Development Authority from 1975-1988, former Chairman of the Hamden Planning & Zoning Board, an Auxiliary Policeman in Hamden, an honorary lifetime member of the Mount Carmel Volunteer Fire Co. # 5, and he was active in local & state politics. He is survived by two daughters; Nancy C. Olson, and her husband, Karl Olson of Hamden, Debra J. Collett, a son, James R. Collett and his wife, Ann Collett of Hamden, a sister, Betty Jean Pageau of NM, 2 brothers Charles F. Collett of VT, Robert M. Collett, Jr. of CA and 2 grandchildren, Christopher Eric Olson and Russell Arthur Olson. He was predeceased by sisters, Florence Alden and Mildred Conroy. Funeral service will be Sat., March 6, at 12 noon at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave. Hamden. Friends may call Friday from 4-8 p.m. Burial in Centerville Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be sent to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405.