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James Counts Obituary
Collinsville - James F. Counts, 80, of Collinsville started his dirt nap on May 25, 2025, surrounded by family at Christian North East Hospital. He was born to John and Anna Sue (Hendrix) Counts on March 29, 1945 in East St. Louis.
James was married to the love of his life, Darlene L. (Outland) Counts on June 11, 1965. They cherished almost 60 years of loving each other and celebrating their lives together. They enjoyed traveling the world and taking more than 70 trips to Las Vegas. He loved spending time with his family and watching his great granddaughters grow.
James is survived by his wife, Darlene (Outland) Counts; daughter, Angela (Counts) Hasamear; son, James R. (Brody) Counts; granddaughter, Taylor (Drew) Spiroff; great granddaughters, Avery Hay and Everly Spiroff; his favorite sister, Nina Hill; brothers, Jerry Counts and Dale Counts; and many nieces and nephews.
James was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna Sue Counts; brothers, John Howard Counts, William Wesley Counts, Donald Woodrow Counts; his grandson Timothy Andrew Hasamear; brother-in-law, Jack Hill; nephew Buzz Thompson; nieces, Danyelle Heinz, Nicole Laux and Cadence Carr.
James was a volunteer firefighter/EMT for the State Park Volunteer Fire Department for 29 years, served on the Collinsville Tepee Board for nearly 40 years and worked as a custodian at the Collinsville School District for 24 years. All the kids at the schools he worked always called him Mr. Jim. He never met a stranger and always had a joke. He was loved deeply by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.
Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Herr Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 501 West Main Street, Collinsville IL 62234. Services to follow at 6 p.m. Pastor Ron Habermehl will officiate.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Counts
6 Entries
Erica
June 5, 2025
I am so sad to hear of Jim's passing. Many memories of hanging out with him with my grandparents and him trying to keep me out of trouble at Tepee. Always such a great sense of humor. He will be missed.
Kim Orsborn Wilson
June 1, 2025
Mr. Counts was an incredible man. I was close friends with his son, James. I have many memories of his infectious laughter and welcoming presence. He was an inspiring philanthropist and role model. He and Mrs. Counts always created a space that soft, kind, and inviting to us as teenagers. Many amazing memories shared and Mr. Counts was a large part of that. I wish that I had known about the services earlier. I would have come for sure. I would like to extend my love and condolences to Mrs. Counts, James, and their families. I am sending digital hugs.
Roger Reeves
May 30, 2025
My condolences to Jim´s family. He sure was a `Collinsville´ guy
Bonnie Lilly
May 30, 2025
My memory of My uncle James is he was always helpful when someone needed him. I don´t think I ever saw him mad. He loved his family. .
Karen (Stirnaman) Kirk Chapman
May 29, 2025
Darlene, so sorry to hear of James passing. James was a great guy, we´ve known your family many years. Please accept our condolences and know you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Jason Rehg
May 29, 2025
Jim was definitely one of a kind. That's probably a good thing! I met Jim as a kid when going to Teepee on Friday nights. He was quick witted and almost always had a slightly inappropriate joke to share. We all thought he was hilarious. Many years later, my dad referred me to Jim to help us replace our HVAC system. He did great work and was always quick to respond when needed. We kept in touch over the years. It was always entertaining to get a random phone call from him. He will be missed by many.
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Herr Funeral Home & Cremation Services501 West Main Street, Collinsville, IL 62234
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