A Life Story

James Joseph Collins, Jr, 88, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026 at home surrounded by his family. Jimmy was born September 20, 1937, in Savannah, Georgia to James Joseph Collins Sr. and Cecilia Cassidy Collins. He was one of four siblings. Jimmy grew up in Savannah, graduating from Benedictine Military School in 1955 and attended college at Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL where he was a member of Phi Omega fraternity. He returned to Savannah and operated the family business, Collins Plumbing & Construction Co that was founded by his great grandfather and namesake in 1868 having immigrated to Savannah from Ireland. He married Mary Patricia Tucker in 1959 and together they had one son. In 2014 he married Nancy Courtenay and they were together until her death in 2023. Jimmy was always physically active and competed in many road races and triathlons. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time on his dock on Wilmington Island. Jimmy’s love for his Irish heritage remained a defining part of his life. As a member of the Hibernian Society of Savannah, he celebrated the traditions, faith, and values of his ancestors while taking great pride in the family’s Irish roots. He was also a member of the Savannah Quarterback Club and Kiwanis Club. He served in the 117th Division of the Georgia Air National Guard. He was a lifelong communicant of Blessed Sacrament Church and a devout Catholic. In 2012, he was recognized with the Gartland Award from the Diocese of Savannah for service to the church which he was very proud of. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Mary Patricia Tucker and two sisters; Cecilia Collins Courtenay and Mary Ann Haslam Butler. Jimmy is survived by his brother Stephen Campbell Collins, son James Joseph Collins III, two grandchildren, Mary Margaret Collins and John Fagin Collins, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The family extends its deepest appreciation to Ms. Linda Ooms, who lovingly cared for Jimmy at his home since 2019. Visitation will be Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary service at 6:30 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, July 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. Burial will be in the Greenwich section of Bonaventure Cemetery. Remembrances may be made in his honor to the Hibernian Society of Savannah Foundation or Benedictine Military School.