Cover photo for James J. Collins, Sr.'s Obituary

James J. Collins, Sr.

Name: Visitation
Start: 09/02/2023 11:00 AM
End: 09/02/2023 12:00 PM
Location: Edmond Fahey Funeral Home

September 8, 1929 — August 29, 2023

Bay St. Louis

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Past Services

Visitation

Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church

Saturday, September 2, 2023

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)

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Mass

Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church

Saturday, September 2, 2023

12:00 - 1:00 pm (Central time)

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Interment

Gulf Coast Memorial Cemetery

Saturday, September 2, 2023

Starts at 1:30 pm (Central time)

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James J. Collins, Sr.

James J. Collins. Sr. better know as “Jim” Collins, was born on September 8, 1929 in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended Jesuit High School in New Orleans. He received his undergraduate degree in Philosophy at St Mary’s Seminary in Perryville Missouri, and later graduated from Tulane University with a Masters Degree in Business Administration. He moved his family to Bay St Louis, Mississippi in 1964 to work as an accountant, but then took a job as the Executive Director of Goodwill Industries in New Orleans and commuted to New Orleans for many years. He continued to work as the Head of the Southern Association for Goodwill Industries, and was inducted in the Goodwill Industries International Incorporated Hall of Fame for his 44 years of hard work and dedication. He was President of Rotary in New Orleans and later a member of Rotary in Bay St Louis. He was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow Award for his service and leadership in Rotary. He was very involved in the United Way, and was the volunteer Executive Director of the Hancock County Food Pantry. In 2018, he was named Hancock County Citizen of the Year.

Jim was a dedicated member of the Catholic church attending daily and weekly mass at Our Lady of the Gulf, St Rose de Lima, or St Claire Catholic church. He was fully committed to serving the Lord.

Jim was preceded by his wife, Patsy Ruth LeBlanc Collins, his father Jeffrey Collins, his mother Jeannette Collins, and his brothers Brian Collins and Jeff Collins, and his sister, Beth Gendusa.

Jim is survived by his sister Janice Collins Romig, his sons, James J Collins Jr (Tamitha), Brennan Collins, and Michael Collins (Shannon). He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, James R. Collins (Kristen), Tara Stark (Curtis), Garrett Collins (Abigail), Cameron Collins, Kailin Collins, Caroline Steck (Joseph), and Mary Michael Ovetsky (Roddy), and three great grandchildren.

James J. Collins Sr passed away on August 29, 2023 with his family in attendance. He was a loving husband and wonderful father. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church in Bay St. Louis, MS on Saturday, September 2, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon with a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 noon. Interment to follow at Gulf Coast Memorial Cemetery in Bay St. Louis, MS.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St Rose de Lima Catholic Church: 301 S Necaise Avenue, Bay St Louis, MS 39520.

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of James J. Collins, Sr.

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