James "Busman" Collins, Jr.

On May 5, 1956, in Williamson County, a beautiful soul, James Collins Jr., was born to the late James “Sonny” Collins Sr. and Margaret Ann Thompson Collins. Being the second born and the oldest son, James was the protector of his eight siblings. As a young child, James was given the nickname “Sonny Boy” by his oldest sister.

James attended Bastrop County School District where he played varsity football for Bastrop High School. Shortly afterwards, his family relocated to Austin, Texas and James attended Stephen F. Austin High School.

James professed a hope in Christ at an early age and joined the Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor J.D. Cleveland.

James was united in Holy Matrimony to Camilla Jones in June 1977 and to this union two children were born.

James began his working career, directly after high school, with the Texas Health Department where he worked for ten years. James was the first of his siblings to buy a car, a yellow 1973 Chevrolet Biscayne and would be seen riding around with a carload of his family and friends. This is where the name “Busman” derived, given to him by his cousin Edward “Cherry” Hunter.

James continued his career with the Austin Independent School District where he worked for ten years. James later accepted employment with the City of Austin and retired after twenty-one years of service.

James enjoyed gardening, going to the lake, and spending time with family and friends. James also enjoyed a variety of music like Gospel, Country and Western, and Rhythm and Blues. James had a beautiful tenor voice and often would be heard singing one of his favorite songs “Highways of My Life” by the Isley Brothers.

On May 28, 2021, James answered the Master’s call and entered into eternal rest. James is preceded in death by his father, James Collins Sr.; son, James Collins III; and sister, Dora Jean Collins.

James leaves to cherish his memory, his mother, Margaret Collins-Moore; daughter Latonya Guntz (Cornelius); special lady, Gayla Cato and family; four sisters, Loretta Green (Victor), Brenda Glascoe (Phillip), Marguerite Reed, and Jerolynn Collins; three brothers, Charles Collins (Cynthia), Alan (KC) Collins, and Gregory Collins; nine grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.