James "Mike" Collins

1949 - 2026

James Michael (Mike) Collins 76 passed away at his home on February 21 2026 in West Point MS. Mike was born on August 29, 1949 in Grenada MS to Claude and Margaret Collins.
He had one true goal in life and that was to be a firefighter. He chased fire trucks up and down the streets of Grenada in his Volkswagen Beetle. He finally joined the Grenada Fire Dept as a teenager. He served the citizens of Grenada until 1979 when he moved to Starkville. He joined the Starkville Fire Dept 1979 and was a member until he retired in 2011. During that time period he was also a member of several Volunteer Fire Depts. He served in many roles from being a basic firefighter to chief. He also served as a Constable for Oktibbeha County.
 Mike married his wife Debbie on March 25 1978. They liked to travel and stop at every flea market on the side of the road between home and wherever they were going. Together they also made yard signs and sold them at festivals across the south. They had 3 children.
Mike is survived by his wife, Debbie; daughters, Christina (Nick) Flores of Starkville, Tanya ( Duston) Jennings of West Point; and son, Justin (Katie) of Sturgis; and 6 Grandchildren; Rylie Claire, Skylar, Kaiden, Colin, Sarah, and Asher. He is also survived by a sister, Claudine Walters of Clinton, MS and 1 niece and 1 nephew.
Visitation will be Thursday 11-1 at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville with funeral services to follow. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in West Point.
Memorial donations can be made to the Mississippi Firefighters Association P.O. Box 1507, Brandon, MS 39043
You can leave the family a condolence at: www.welchfuneralhomes.com.