James "Jim" Collins

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and devoted servant of God, passed away peacefully at home on October 30, 2026. Born June 26,1942 in Hamilton, OH to Ray and Jewel (Halcomb) Collins, Jim attended New Miami High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1960, which included 4 years of service during the Bay of Pigs Invasion and the Vietnam War. Jim returned home and worked at General Motors, Elano, and Jamestown Plastics; opened his own company, CJR Plastics, which made parts for the military and the auto industry; and eventually retired as the Quality Manager at F&G Multi-Slide. Not one to sit still, he became a part-time driver for St. Leonard Living Center, and once COVID hit, switched over to delivering groceries for Dorothy Lane Market. These jobs were ideal for a man who had compassion for others, as he made it his mission to know all his clients and make them feel loved.

Jim was also a joiner, as demonstrated by his membership to Bethel Baptist Church, The Eagles, The Moose, American Legion Riders, VFW, and the Lion’s Club where he served as President. He was most proud of serving as Jamestown’s mayor for 12 years where he conducted mayor’s court and performed over 500 weddings, leading the Jamestown Chamber of Commerce naming him Man of the Year in 1988. After moving to Centerville, he joined the Centerville Arts Commission and served as the Chair for the past 8 years. Jim’s efforts at attracting great bands to play at Stubbs Park every summer led Centerville to naming him Volunteer of the Year in 2021. Last, but not least, Jim loved his Harley Davidson motorcycles that he drove for over 60 years. He and his wife had many wonderful road trips all over the United States.

Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara Collins; his children Jim Collins Jr. (Carol), Kimberly Wolfe (Jeff), and Tina Spencer; his stepchildren Brian West (Amrita), David West (Krista), and Betsy Suver (Matt); and his sister Joan Wilson. He leaves behind his grandchildren Kevin and Sean Collins, Jordan Hiers (Austin), Taylor Wolfe, Jessica Black, Josh Spencer (Jeri), Zach Spencer (Kristen), Avery and Evan Suver, and Nikash West. Great grandchildren Rhylee Black, Charlie Grace Hiers; Sophia and Flynn Spencer; and Ethan, Alex, and Bella Myers. He leaves behind his beloved Labrador mix, Teddy who will miss his presence and daily car rides.

Visitation from 10:00am to 12:00pm Friday, November 6, 2026 at the Tobias Funeral Home – Far Hills Chapel, 5471 Far Hills Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45429, with the funeral service at 12:00pm. Burial Miami Valley Memory Gardens. Condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com