James W. Collins

James Wayne Collins, age 72, passed away on Monday, June 6, 2022 at Washington Adventist Hospital after a battle with cancer.

He was born on November 27, 1949 in Madison, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Lucy Leizear.  Jim is survived by his wife of 33 years, Marlene Colins; his children: Jimmy Collins (and his wife, Angel), Rodney Collins (and his wife, Karyn), Jason Hensley (and his wife, Jamie Hensley), Deanna Collins, Lucille Collins, Stepson James Mihovetz (and his wife, Cassandra), and stepdaughter, Melanie Meredith (and her husband, James Meredith); 9 siblings: Johnny Leizear, Joseph Leizear, Patty Doubledee, Cheryl Sappington, Debbie Haggerty, Donna Kidwell, Stanley Lewis, GB Lewis and the late Sandra Lewis.   He has numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren which he adores.

James Wayne Collins, former Spokesperson for the City of Laurel and the Laurel Police Department. James W. Collins, better known as “Jim” or “Jimmy” served the Citizens of Laurel for over 38 years in City Government.  Jimmy was hired by the Laurel Police Department on June 24, 1974, as a Communications Specialist (Dispatcher). He was promoted to Chief Police Communications Specialist on September 17, 1976, and on November 9, 1979, he was promoted to Supervisor of Police Services.  During Jimmy’s time at the Police Department, he was also the Public Information Officer for the Department.

Jimmy Collins is a Vietnam veteran, serving in the Army from February 2, 1970, until his Honorable Discharge on October 24, 1971. He was a member of the American Legion Post 60 for over 50 years.

Jimmy is a life member of the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department with over 40 years of service. He served in many operational and administrative positions, including as a Fire Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. He served on the Board of Trustees, as Secretary, Junior and Senior Vice President, and President and Chair of the Board.  Jimmy also served as the President of the Prince George’s County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Administration.  He was recently appointed to serve as Chaplain of the Department, a position he held until his passing.  Jimmy was one of the founding members of the Maryland Chapter 1 Red Knights Motorcycle Club.

Jimmy was highly involved in community-wide crime prevention programs, especially those involving school children. He created the “Kids Against Crime” program and was very active in it. He received national attention for the program and weekly inquiries about it, including from the Office of the President and Governor Harry Hughes. His involvement and participation were totally voluntary, which says a lot about Jimmy’s commitment to the youth and our community.  In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family.

There will be a viewing from 11 – 12 pm on Saturday, June 11, 2022.  Immediately following the viewing will be a funeral service at 12 pm at the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the LVFD in memory of James Collins.