James K. Collins Jr

James K. Collins Jr, 89 of Willoughby, passed away April 28, 2018, (his mother’s birthday) at Vista Springs Quail Highlands Assisted Living in Concord Twp. He was born September 3, 1928, in Wickliffe. Jim was the longtime editor of The News-Herald, serving as editor emeritus since 2005. He served as executive-in-residence at Lakeland Community College since 2005. He graduated from Willoughby Union High School in 1946 and went on to study journalism at Kent State University. He was a founding member of the “VICIOUS Circle Lunch Group”, on the board that selected the Willoughby-Eastlake Teacher of the Year, had been Lake County Citizen of the Year, on the Willoughby Fine Arts Board, a 30 year member of the Painesville Gyro, a 57 year founding member, and past president of the Willoughby Rotary, member of the Lake County Chief of Police Association, had been awarded the Willoughby Distinguished Citizen of the Year and many more affiliations and groups that Jim was passionate about but too numerous to list. Jim was a fan of the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians, and jazz music. He enjoyed being involved in politics and sports in general, especially playing golf and tennis. He is survived by his daughters, Diane (Louie) Sicurezza and Kimberly (Dan) Cleary; grandchildren, Destiny Simcic, Louis P. (Amanda) Sicurezza, Kenny Sicurezza and Brian (Danielle) Cleary; great-grandchildren, Angelina, Grace, Eve and Andrew; brother, David Collins; sister, Molly (Larry) Whinnery and other loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, James K. Sr and Hazel Collins and son, Peter Bradley Collins. A Celebration of Life will be held 11 am Friday, May 4, 2018, at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060 where the family will receive friends from 4-8 pm Thursday, May 3, 2018. Interment will be in Knollwood Cemetery, Mayfield Heights. Contributions may be made in Jim Collins' memory to The Lakeland Foundation, Lakeland Community College, 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland, Ohio 44094-5198 or to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110. Send flowers and offer condolences at www.brunners.com.

James K. Collins Jr

September 3, 1928 - April 28, 2018