S aratoga Springs, NY - James G. "Jim" Collins Sr., passed away Saturday morning (April 9, 2016), surrounded by his loving family. He is 87.

Born on June 29, 1928 in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late Michael F. and Mary Geary Collins. He resided all his life in the Saratoga Springs area, graduating with honors from St. Peter's Academy in 1946. He then completed his Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages from Siena College in Loudonville, NY, graduating in 1950. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Army serving two years during the Korean War. Following his return to civilian life, Jim's employment included working with the Saratogian newspaper and Espey Manufacturing and Electronics Corp. In 1965, he joined the Urban Renewal Agency of Saratoga Springs, where he served until August of 1968, when he became Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority. During his 22 years as Executive Director, he was a member of the New York State Association of Housing and Renewal, serving as State Director from 1974-76; Past President and one of the founding fathers of the Central New York Housing Authority 1973-75; a member of the Public Housing Officials National Organization, 1984-1990 and was accredited as a Professional Housing Manager by the National Association of Housing and Renewal since 1977. He retired in 1990.

Among the many distinguished civic and community efforts are Jim's leadership and contributions to local service organizations including his work as a dedicated honorary life member and Past Grand Knight of Saratoga Council 246 Knights of Columbus, a Past Faithful Navigator of Saratoga Assembly 745 Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, a Past President of the Saratoga Columbian Association and a 47 year member of Saratoga-Wilton B.P.O. Elks Lodge 161. Additionally, Jim was elected to the St. Peter's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003 and during his college years played semi-professional basketball for both the Spa-Vets and Sar-Vets.

He is survived by eight children; James G. Collins, Jr. of Bethlehem, PA, Anne E. Perotta and her husband David of Saratoga Springs, Justin L. Collins and his wife Kristina of Gillsville, GA, Michael F. Collins and his wife Ann of Gansevoort, NY, Mary Kate Green and her husband Michael of Glenville, NY, Christopher G. Collins of Southampton, NY, Brigid M. Lennox and her husband William of Gansevoort, NY and Tara J. Geiger and her husband Michael of Guilford, CT; 16 grandchildren: James G. III and Michelle Collins; Thomas Marinello and Meghan McLain; Justin P., Daniel and Rory Collins and Siobhan Brumbelow; Jennifer Conroy and Stefanie Morici; Kristen and Brittany Collins; Chelsea and Zachary Lennox; Michael Jr. and Melissa Geiger; 4 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife, M. Jeanne Trombly Collins and 2 sisters, Mary Frances Hickey and Gertrude Smaldone.

Relatives and friends may call from 2 to 5pm and 7 to 9pm Tuesday (Apr. 12, 2016) at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway 584-5373.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12noon Wednesday (Apr. 13) in St Clement's Church, 231 Lake Ave., and Burial will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery, West Ave.

Memorials may be made in Jim's name to the American Heart Assoc., PO Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241.

The K of C will meet at 7:30pm Tuesday at the funeral home for their service.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.