John Randall Collins Jr

John R. Collins Jr.

John R. Collins Jr., known as J.R., departed this earth at the age of 78 on Monday, May 13, 2024, in Louisville, Kentucky.

He is survived by his wife of more than 55 years, Barbara (Tinker); Two daughters, Nicole and Natasha; siblings, Shawn and Eric; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends. He is

preceded in death by his parents, John R. Collins Sr. and Naomi (Howze) Collins; and siblings, Bruce Collins and Michelle (Collins) Jackson.

Born in April 1946, J.R. was the oldest of five, raised in Shaker Heights, Ohio and rooted in the Catholic faith. It was while growing up in Cleveland that J.R. first met Barb. The two spent just a year at the same high school but would marry after reconnecting in community college.

J.R. followed in his father's footsteps, beginning a career at General Motors in his early 20s. He was drafted to the United States Army and assigned to duty in Korea. Upon his return, J.R. and Barb started their family. He resumed his work at GM, making his way into management and eventually retired after more than 40 years. The Majority of his career was spent in Mansfield, Ohio, where he and Barb built their life and raised their two girls who attended Mansfield St. Peter's where the family were parishioners.

An avid golfer with a self-proclaimed "strong" game- whether in the heat of the summer or chill of fall, J.R. loved to be out on a driving range or golf course with friends or strangers; or in a car, headed to one- with the sunroof back and smooth jazz on.

In addition to a love of golf, J.R. also had a passion for food and was rarely found without fresh garlic and jalapeno peppers; and often also had a box of chocolate turtle candies from his friends' sweet shoppe.

J.R. was quick-witted, usually had a funny story to tell and was always quick to give his girls a kiss. He is loved beyond measure and will be dearly missed.

A funeral mass for J.R. will be held on Thursday, May 23,2024 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Mansfield, Ohio. Words of condolence can be shared online at 

RogersFuneralService.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations, in memory of J.R., be made to the Norton Neuroscience Institute or Mansfield St Peter's Parish and School.

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