James G. Collins

Eastville-James G. “Jim” Collins, Jr., husband of Odelle Johnson Collins, of Eastville, VA went to eternal rest on Thursday, December 15, 2016 at his home in Machipongo. James was the sixth of seven children born to the late James G. and Mary J. Collins of Eastville, VA.

Jim is a lifelong member of the Union Baptist Church, Eastville, following in the footsteps of many of his family members, including his parents and grandparents. He was raised in Northampton and attended its public schools, graduating from Northampton County High School with the class of 1954. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry and Mathematics from Virginia Union University. In 1960, he married Odelle Johnson of Cape Charles. That marriage endured until his passing. The couple pursued their dual careers in public education, retiring together in Northampton County, however, continuing their zeal to serve the community.

James spent his entire professional career in Northampton. In 1959, he began his career of public service to the residents of the county as a teacher at Hare Valley Elementary School, Exmore teaching 7th grade Math and Science from 1959-1961; Northampton County High School, Machipongo teaching Math and Science from 1961-1969) and Northampton High School, Eastville teaching Chemistry and Biology. After teaching for many years, in 1976 he received a Master of Science degree in Education Administration from Old Dominion University and began the pursuit of positions in administration in the public schools of Northampton County. In 1979 James became assistant principal at Northampton High School and held the position until his retirement in 1992. Committed to public service and possessing a desire to be involved in the community, James continued to serve in several positions.

Jim served on several boards and committees. He was the first African American to be appointed to the Board of Trustee of the Northampton-Accomack Memorial Hospital presently Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital, Nassawadox, VA (1976-1983); Board of Directors of Accomack and Northampton Electric Cooperative, Tasley, VA (1976-2016), where he served as a member and Chairman of the Board until his death; Northampton County Board of Zoning Appeals (1994-2006) and Northampton County Agricultural Forrestal District Committee (1998-2007).

Outside of his professional affiliations, Jim was known for his passion for farming and his array of farm machinery and implements to perform every conceivable task and growing vegetables which he was always pleased to share with friends. At home among family and friends, he is simply, “Junie”, always displaying a welcoming spirit and availability to assist others.

Jim is a member of Club Chautauqua of Northampton County and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., both of which serve social and public service purposes. He has been the recipient of many awards and honors. In 2015, NCHS Alumni Association recognized Jim as a “Lifetime Humanitarian”, noted by his long history of selfless service. With his wife, Odelle and others, Jim served as an important bridge that helped unite NCHS Alumni Association into a consolidated group of classes from several generations able to serve alumni and Northampton County students.

Jim is survived by his wife, Odelle, of the home in Machipongo; a sister, Margaret Collins Dingle of Trenton, NJ (Booker), God sister, Janice J. Grace of Yorktown, VA (Bill), his sisters-n-law, Evelyn Collins Bailey, Mary Floyd Collins and Vivian Collins; his cherished God children, Mia Bell Stephens, Maria Walden, Gerald Walden, Jr., Mignon Turner, Tiffany Turner Williams, Robyn Pretlow, Danielle Joynes and Shawna Collins, many nieces, nephews, cherished friends, former students and colleagues. He was predeceased by his sister, Loraine and brothers, Reginald, Theodore, John and Homer.