Jimmy Ray Collins

Jimmy Ray “Jim” Collins, 73, of Franklin, Ohio, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026. He was born on December 7, 1952, in Franklin, Ohio, to the late Arthur and Virginia Collins. Jim was loved by many, for his unending kindness, his humor, and his genuine love of life. He never met a stranger and he loved to make others laugh with his infectious sense of humor. He will be remembered for the joy he brought to everyone around him. Jim loved deeply and he loved hard. Everyone who knew him also knew he would do anything for anyone, at any time.

As a young man, Jim served his country as a Sergeant in the Army for four years. He was stationed in Alaska, and reminisced often about the beauty of Alaska, and his desire to visit there again.

Jim was married to Patricia Lynn (Theodore) Collins since July 3rd, 1986, and they were both looking forward to celebrating their 40th anniversary this year. Jim and Patti loved Elvis and the musical group Alabama. If they weren’t listening to Elvis or Alabama, there’s a good chance you would either find them camped in a line somewhere trying to score Alabama tickets, or they were in their car on the way to see Alabama in concert. They especially loved traveling to Fort Payne nearly every summer to attend Fan Appreciation Days. They were also blessed to be able to visit Graceland, Las Vegas, Oregon and multiple other attractions out west, making memories and laughing together, while also taking thousands of pictures that captured their joy in their journeys and in each other.

Jim was a huge fan of the San Francisco 49’ers football team, and he and Patti were able to see them play the Cincinnati Bengals, at Paul Brown Stadium, in Cincinnati. The memory was made even sweeter for them because the 49’ers won that game and they celebrated all the way home.

Jim retired from Deceuninck, in Monroe, Ohio after 30 years as a laborer and tow truck driver. In his free time, Jim loved to go fishing, camping and hunting. He loved being out in nature, especially going to the river to spot and take pictures of eagles. Jim travelled all over America, taking pictures of animals at various zoos. Jim’s love of animals included the many rescue dogs and cats he and Patti took into their home and cared for.

Jim’s heart for others and for strays was unparalleled. Not only by his love and care of his animals, but also his willingness to be the best stepdad anyone could ask for to three nearly grown and angsty teenagers. Jim spent 40 years loving Patricia and also loving her three kids. In 1992 he became a proud Papaw. He was a caring, affectionate and thoughtful grandparent. He was always generous and playful, and never treated his grandkids as “step” or lesser than. Jim also cared for his niece and two nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Virginia Collins, by his three brothers, Larry Collins, Roger Collins and Gary Lee Collins, and by his stepson, Todd Combs.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Patricia Collins, his stepchildren Travis Combs, Dawn (Kevin) Nicholson, his two grandsons, Michael Pruitt and Gabriel Nicholson, and his treasured childhood friends, Bob Hall and Bob (Pam) Gaston.

Jim’s wife Patricia is yearning for the day she will be reunited with him.

For the many others who knew and loved Jim, and would like to join his family in saying goodbye, his funeral will be held at Anderson Funeral Home, 1357 E 2nd Street, Franklin, Ohio 45005 on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Visitation will be from 11am to 1pm, with the funeral to begin at one pm and burial to follow at Woodhill Cemetery, 6228 Hamilton-Middletown Road, Franklin, Ohio 45005.