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James W. Collins, 86, of Bellefontaine, passed away Saturday morning, Dec. 3, 2016, at Heartland of Westerville.
He was born Oct. 8, 1930, in York, Pa., the son of the late Evelyn Baublitz and Willard Henry Collins. His wife, the former Beverly Anne Barnhart also preceded him in death on July 16, 2015, a did an infant son, Phillip in 1958 and a daughter, Kathi in 2003.
Jim is survived by daughters, Susan K. (B. David) Manning of Bellefontaine and Beth A. Collins of Reynoldsburg; a grandson David “James” Manning; and a sister, Patricia Meldon of Fairborn.
Jim’s father worked as manager of a national furnace company and was transferred in 1939 to Bellefontaine. In 1946 Willard started his own company, Collins Heating.
Jim graduated from Bellefontaine High School in 1948. He then went on to graduate from the University of Cincinnati in 1954 with a bachelor of science degree in industrial management. While at UC, Jim attended the Wesley Foundation Methodist Student Group where he met his future wife Beverly Barnhart from Canton. They married in 1954 and moved back to Bellefontaine where Jim began working for his father in the heating business. He also taught heating and air conditioning at the vocational level at Hi-Point Joint Vocational School in Bellefontaine, and at the vocational school in Xenia.
Jim was active in the Jaycees in its earliest days in Bellefontaine. He also served at the district level of the Jaycees and as a state officer and later was honored by becoming the first JCI Senator in Bellefontaine.
Jim was also an active member throughout his life in the First United Presbyterian Church in Bellefontaine. He served on many committees and was an elder, Sunday School superintendent and taught Sunday School classes for many years. He also served on the committee for Kirkmont Center for many years.
Jim was devoted to educating the community as well as leading the two county areas of Logan and Champaign on the subject of mental illness, bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, etc.
He and his wife conducted many classes to assist families coping with mental illnesses. Jim and Beverly also were active on the state and national level, promoting education for statesmen on the needs and treatment for people with mental illness.
In later years, Jim and Beverly became involved learning coping skills for those with fibromyalgia and also essential tremor.
He enjoyed reading and as an avid sports follower he attended most local high school sports games. Jim also enjoyed watching sports on TV. Family was very important to Jim and he was especially thrilled by the arrival of grandson “James” … a real joy to receive for his 72nd birthday!
Jim especially tried to live his life by the Jaycee Creed: “Faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life.” Even in retirement, Jim was still well known to many in the Logan County area.
A memorial service will be held Jan. 14 at the First Presbyterian Church, Bellefontaine.
Memorial contributions may be made to NAMI, 747 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43205 and to the First United Presbyterian Church, 117 N. Main St., Bellefontaine, OH 43311.
The staff of Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Bellefontaine, assisted the family with arrangements and condolences may be expressed at www.edsfh.com.