Rev. James R. Collins

Rev. James R. Collins
July 8, 1942-August 5, 2022 (age 80)

Rev. James R. Collins, beloved son of the late James W. and Marcella M. (Haverkos) Collins, passed away on Friday, August 5, 2022 at age 80, surrounded by his loving family. He was the loving brother of Mary Lee (David) Wetzel, Janet (Ken) Luhan and Pat Collins, cherished uncle of Chad (Kathy) Luhan, Jenny (Andrew) Major, Brian Siler, Michael Wetzel, Collins Huitger and Carrie (Matthew) Noelker. Great uncle of  Sofia Siler, Conrad Major, Avalon Luhan, Jameson Luhan, Declan Wetzel and Ainsley Barnes.  Fr. Jim also leaves behind many cousins and dear friends.

Fr. Jim was ordained a priest on May 25, 1968 at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral in Cincinnati. His first appointment was on June 21, 1968 as an assistant at St. Luke, Dayton and teaching full time at Archbishop Alter High School. In August of 1971 he moved as an assistant to Immaculate Conception in Dayton while continuing teaching at Alter. June of 1974 brought another change, being appointed Associate at St. Raphael in Springfield, Ohio while also becoming Principal of Catholic Central High. He returned to Cincinnati in June of 1977 and was appointed Pastor of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish in Reading. After spending 9 years there on July 1, 1986 he was appointed Pastor of St. Dominic. While on the West Side of Cincinnati, he served as the Dean of St. Lawrence Deanery for a 4 year term starting January 1, 1995 until December 31, 1998.  Fr. Jim was moved one more time to St. James of the Valley in Wyoming, Ohio on July 28, 1998.  He was appointed to another 6 year term commencing, July 28, 2004.  He retired in July 1, 2007  but continued his ministry serving the Franciscan Sisters of the Poor at St Clair Chapel. The extensive and diverse nature of his ministries enabled Fr. Jim to touch so many lives and have a positive impact on many souls.  Fr. Jim's greatest joy was being with his family, especially his nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews and tending to his cat Linden.

His family would like to thank the staff of Bayley for the loving care and kindness provided to Fr. Jim and his family and visitors in his final days.

Reception of Fr. Jim's body will be Friday, August 12 at 9 AM until Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM at St. Dominic Church, 4551 Delhi Rd. Cincinnati, Ohio.

Memorials may be made in Fr. Jim's name to St. Dominic Education Fund, Bayley or a charity of your choice.