James H. Collins

James H. Collins - LYONS - Mr. James H. Collins, age 79 of Lyons , died at his home surrounded by his family on Sunday afternoon, July 17, 2011 . J. H., as he was known by his family and friends was born in the Hillview community of Tattnall County on March 1, 1932 to the late Bertie and Minnie Lynn Collins. He graduated from Collins High School , class of 1949 and entered Georgia Teachers College in the fall of 1949, where he received his B.S. in Science Education in 1952. He taught science and math at Reidsville High School and elementary school physical education in Warner Robins . Moving to Lyons in 1956, J.H. taught both science and math as well as coached boys' basketball at Lyons High School . He was granted a leave of absence for the 1959-1960 school term and attended the University of Georgia , where he earned his Master's Degree in Science Education. Upon returning to Lyons High School in 1960, J.H. taught math and science until 1965 and was selected Star Teacher four times. J.H. received his Master's Degree in School Administration from Georgia Southern College and was elected Principal of Lyons High School in 1965. In 1970 he became Principal of the Lyons Elementary School where he remained until 1988, when he was elected Toombs County School Superintendent. He retired in 1992 after forty years experience in the field of education. J.H. is survived by his wife, Betty Drake Collins of Lyons; one son and daughter-in-law, Ed and Carolyn Collins of Richmond, Virginia; one daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Randy Smith of Acworth; five grandchildren, Brandon and Casey Collins, Kyle Harris, Haden Smith and Kristian Moore; one great granddaughter, Alyssiana Butler; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Bertha Shuman and Adell Sapp, both of Collins and Martha Jane and Ronnie Sikes of Metter; three sisters-in-law, Modrea H. Collins and Joyce D. Rivers, both of Collins and Margaret D. Williamson of Eastman; two brothers-in-law, Jeff Anderson of Collins and Jimmy Williamson of Eastman; numerous nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by a brother, Clifford Collins, a sister Lorie Anderson and his step-mother, Laura Collins. Funeral services for Mr. James H. Collins will be held at 11 AM Thursday, July 21 from the First United Methodist Church of Lyons with Reverend Barry Giddens and Dr. Max Hill officiating. The body will be placed in the church one hour prior to service time. Burial will follow in the Collins City Cemetery . The family will receive friends from 6 pm until 8 pm Wednesday night at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the James H. Collins Educational Scholarship administered through the First United Methodist Church of Lyons, 126 E. Wesley Ave. , Lyons , GA 30436 . Serving as pallbearers will be Billy Collins, Floyd Collins, David Rivers, Kyle Sapp, Larry Sapp, Calvin Shuman, Glen Shuman, David Sikes and Don Sikes. Jones-Stewart Funeral Home, Lyons Savannah Morning News July 19, 2011 Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at savannahnow.com/obituaries .