James Albert Collins

James Albert Collins, 90, of Oak Leaf Village, passed away on October 13, 2021 he passed peacefully with his family by his side. James a.k.a. Sunny (because of his brilliant blue eyes) was born on the first day of Spring, March 20, 1932 to Loretta and James Edward Collins in Jackson, Michigan. After graduating from Woodward High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Airforce serving overseas during the Korean Conflict. James returned home to marry his childhood friend and high school sweetheart Lois Ann Ubl in 1952. James had served as her neighborhood paperboy and they were in the same First Communion class. After wedding they went on to have a family, 7 children, 1 daughter, Kristine (Joseph) Kunkle, and 6 sons, Daniel, Michael (Laura), James (Carol), Douglas (Rebecca), Robert (Tammy), Glenn (Joni). James was strong in his Catholic faith always carrying a Green Scapular with him. Family meant everything, he was beyond excited to become a grandfather of 13 and great-grandfather of 15. The joy of being with them could be seen radiating from his face as his eyes lit up and his smile beamed. He was adamant that he and Lois took the family on a two-week family vacation to Michigan each year for a wonderful opportunity to be restored, renewed, and reinforce family connections and make lifelong friends. James was exceptional with communicating and working with people and served in the food industry his entire life under the capacity of management. As an exceptional leader if you were under Jim’s management you worked with him, not for him. James had the grace of making people feel like they were the most important person on the planet in that moment. He was genuine in his kindness and care of others. And had a wonderful uplifting and respectful sense of humor. He could celebrate the irony in life. He lived life to the fullest, enjoying time with friends, music, poker playing, food testing, gardening, and making genuine caring relationships with his neighbors at Oak Leaf Village Sylvania. He often stated, “growing old is a gift." James was predeceased in death by his wife, Lois Ann Collins, parents Loretta and James Edward Collins, and brother Richard Collins. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on October 14, 2021 at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 West Sylvania Avenue, Toledo, Ohio with recitation of the Rosary beginning 7:00 PM. Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on October 15, 2021 at Saint Catherine of Siena, 4555 North Haven Avenue, Toledo, Ohio with interment following immediately.