James J. Collins

1941 - 2016

James J. "Jim" Collins, 74, of Natrona Heights, passed away Monday, March 28, 2016, at Allegheny Valley Hospital. He was born Nov. 6, 1941, son of the late Jules and Frances (Wiesenbaugh) Collins. James spent 35 years in the education field. He was a math teacher for Burrell High School and assistant football coach, math teacher at Deer Lakes High School and their head football coach, was vice principal and principal at Thomas Jefferson High School and an Athletic Director. James was the executive director and president of the WPIAL and most recently assistant to the executive director of the WPIAL. James graduated in 1959 from Tarentum High School, earned his undergraduate degree at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and graduate degrees at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pittsburgh. James loved sports. He played football in high school and later coached football, basketball and volleyball. He was a member of the Tarentum Elks and Eagles. James especially enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in their activities. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Doris (McAfoose) Collins; his children, Brian (Holly) Collins, of Ross Township, and Leslie (Ben) Craven, of Pine Township; grandchildren, Tyler and Gracin Collins, of Ross Township, and Ryan and Joshua Craven, of Pine Township: and a sister, Barbara Jean (Collins) Emmerling, of New Kensington. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews who he enjoyed. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son, Michael, in 1974; and sisters, Jo Ann Crosky and Peggy Collins.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the DUSTER FUNERAL HOME INC., 347 E. Tenth Ave., Tarentum, 724-224-1526, where parting prayers will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday followed by a Christian funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in Holy Martyrs Church, Tarentum, with the Rev. Thomas L. Gillespie, MD, officiating. Burial will be in Our Lady of Hope Cemetery, Frazer Township.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in loving memory of Jim to the W.P.I.A.L. Scholarship fund, 615 Iron City Drive, Suite 300, Pittsburgh, PA 15205. Visit: www.dusterfuneralhomeinc.com.