In Memory of James F. Collis

Obituary

James F. Collis, 86

Whitesboro – James F. Collis, 86, of Whitesboro, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026, at Wynn Hospital.

He was born on December 11, 1939, in Utica, the son of the late Fred F. and Isabel Davis Collis. Jim married Donna Luczko on July 6, 1963, at Central Methodist Church in Utica, and together they shared 62 loving years of marriage.

Jim began working as a teenager in the family business founded by his father, Fred F. Collis & Sons. In 1970, Jim and his brother John took ownership of the business, continuing the family legacy. Jim remained active in the business for more than 60 years, retiring in 2020. He took great pride in seeing third and fourth generation Collis family members join the business and in celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.

Jim deeply loved his family, his employees, his customers, and his community. As a devoted father, he was actively involved in his children’s extracurricular activities and was a dedicated coach and supporter of youth sports.

He cherished time spent with family, especially Sunday dinners at Symeon’s, and enjoyed his regular Saturday 7 a.m. breakfasts at the Boulevard Diner—in a booth fondly known as the “Jim Collis Corner”—with his special crew: Scott, Billy, and Eric.

Jim was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Whitesboro, a member of the Utica Rotary, and a former board member of the Salvation Army of Utica.

He is survived by his loving wife, Donna; his children, Fred (Mary) Collis, David (Michelle) Collis, and Paul (Jessica) Collis; his grandchildren, Kate, David, Benjamin (Megan), Bryce, Samuel, and Riley; and his great-grandson, August. He is also survived by his brother, John Collis; his sister, Janice (Louie Fratangelo); his sister-in-law, Marilyn Collis; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ed and Jeanette Luczko; several nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his dear friend of more than 70 years, Don Morton. He was predeceased by his brother, Howard Collis.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to his caregivers for their kind and compassionate care: Ollie, Carol, Dorene, Liza, and Sejla.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 8595 Westmoreland Road, Whitesboro. A funeral service will immediately follow.

Interment will take place in West Schuyler Cemetery in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Hospice, Trinity United Methodist Church, or a charity of your choosing.

Online messages of sympathy may be left atwww.fwefh.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, New Hartford.