James S. Collins Jr. 69 of Aurora passed away Sunday November 27, 2016 at University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center. He was born August 1, 1947 in Houston, Texas, and graduated from Pasadena High School in Texas. James worked as a Corrections Officer for 14 years until retirement. He enjoyed Airplanes , attending gun shows , was a history buff , and collected military memorabilia. James proudly served his Country in the Army. Survivors include his wife Robin (nee Heintzelman) , daughter Laura (Steven) Schramm of Elyria , son Christopher (Kristen) of Columbus , grandchildren Izabella , Gabrielle , Robert , Tyler , and Hannah , brother Robert (Jo Beth) of Tennessee , one niece and one nephew, former wife Deena Collins. He was preceded in death by his parents James S. Sr. and Geraldine (nee Philips) , daughters Kimberly Howdeshell , Chelsea Gross. Family will receive friends 4-7PM Wednesday November 30, 2016 at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at St. Rt. 57),Elyria 440-322-4626 , where funeral services will be held 10 AM Thursday December 1, 2016. George Schiltz will officiate. Burial will be in Brookdale Cemetery(Elyria), where full military honors will be provided by VFW post # 1079. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com