Jeffrey S. Collins

Jeffrey S. Collins, age 70, of Columbus, OH passed away at home surrounded by his family and friends on Monday, October 4, 2021. Born in Columbus, OH to his loving mother Kathryn Hines and raised by his loving parents Joseph Atwell “Swede” Collins and Betty Jane (Hickman) Collins, he grew up in Berwick and graduated from Eastmoor High School, Class of 1969. Jeff was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1972. He joined the US Army active Reserves in 1974 (serving until 1992) and served in the Ohio Air National Guard until 1982. In 1972, Jeff joined the Columbus Police Department after graduating in the 49^th Recruit Class. In the span of a 40-year career with the department, he worked as a patrol officer, SWAT team member, Crime Scene Search Unit officer (receiving an award for the discovery of a method to obtain fingerprints from duct tape which is still utilized by law enforcement agencies including the FBI and Scotland Yard), Police Athletic League volunteer, Homicide Detective, as well as working on the Assault Squad, Ordnance Squad, Pharmaceutical Unit and the Gun Unit. He retired in 2012 and received the Ohio Distinguished Law Enforcement Lifetime Achievement Award from Attorney General Mike DeWine. After his retirement, Jeff taught Forensics at Village Academy in Powell until 2019. Jeff was a proud Eagle Scout and was active in scouting. He received the Order of the Arrow, Wood Badge, Bronze Big Horn and the Silver Beaver Award for his distinguished service. He was heavily involved in the Blackfoot Adult Leadership Training Program. Jeff had a deep passion for anything related to guns, fishing, hunting, camping and cooking. He loved the outdoors. Jeff impacted so many lives on different levels. He was a great friend, a loving husband and father, devoted grandfather and mentor to many through his involvement in scouting and law enforcement. Always wearing a smile on his face, Jeff had a kind heart. His greatest passion was being “Pops” to his grandbabies. He volunteered at their schools, attended school and sports functions and recitals and took many trips to the tracks to watch the trains. He imparted his knowledge and his love of fishing, hunting and the outdoors to his grandkids, from hanging out at the camper to taking trips to Michigan to fish. He taught them how to build fires and many outdoor survival skills. He baked with them and made homemade treats for their teachers and bus drivers every year at Christmas. He drove the “Pops Taxi” anywhere and everywhere to get the kids wherever they needed to go and could easily be persuaded to stop for a treat along the way. He listened and he cared. His impact on their lives was significant and he will be missed beyond measure. Jeff was a warrior. After being diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer which had spread to his liver, he was told he may have 3 months to live. He was blessed to find Dr. Laith Abushahin and his wonderful staff at OSUCCC. Jeff maintained a positive attitude and quite a sense of humor despite his illness. He never wanted to be the grumpy old guy at chemo so he worn fun hats, masks and t-shirts to brighten the day and make people laugh. He lived life to the fullest for two extra years and credited Dr. Laith and his team for his success. We can never thank the staff at Martha Morehouse, the James Cancer Hospital and Capital City Hospice enough for their kindness, compassion and caring during such a difficult time. We thank them for the very important work they do. They will forever hold a special place in our heart. Jeff was a member of Capital City Lodge #9, FOP and a member of Resurrection Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hilliard where he started BOLD, Bread of Life Discipleship, a food pantry to serve the community. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents Swede and Betty Collins and his loving mother Kathryn Hines. He is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Jodi Collins, daughter Heather (Wyatt) Collins Wilson, son Bryan (Jessie) Collins, his grandchildren: Collin and Tyler Wilson, Brylie, Kahlen and Colten Collins, Alexis (Greg) Bickley and Peyton (Katie) Wilson; great-grandchildren: Ella and Gregory Bickley and Brantley Wilson; brothers and sisters: John (Leah) Wilde, Jim Wilde, Patricia Wilde, Jeff (Michelle) Wilde and Cathy Collins; uncle Robert (Edie) Hines, mother-in-law Eva May Graham, and his many, many friends.

Family will receive friends from 2:00p.m.-5:00p.m. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2021 at RESURRECTION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3500 Main Street, Hilliard, OH 43026 where his Funeral Service will follow the visitation hours and begin at 5:00p.m. FRIDAY with Pastor Dave Kamphuis, officiating. The Tidd Family Funeral Home & Crematory, 5265 Norwich St., Hilliard, OH 43026 (614)-876-1722, assisted the family. Please visit www.tiddfuneralservice.com to share your favorite memories of Jeff and to send your condolences to the Collins Family.