James F. Counts, 80, of Collinsville started his dirt nap on May 25, 2025, surrounded by family at Christian Northeast Hospital. He was born to John and Anna Sue (Hendrix) Counts on March 29, 1945 in East St. Louis.

James was married to the love of his life, Darlene L. (Outland) Counts on June 11, 1965. They cherished almost 60 years of loving each other and celebrating their lives together. They enjoyed traveling the world and taking more than 70 trips to Las Vegas. He loved spending time with his family and watching his great granddaughters grow.

James is survived by his wife, Darlene (Outland) Counts; daughter, Angela (Counts) Hasamear; son, James R. (Brody) Counts; granddaughter, Taylor (Drew) Spiroff; great granddaughters, Avery Hay and Everly Spiroff; his favorite sister, Nina Hill; brothers, Jerry Counts and Dale Counts; and many nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna Sue Counts; brothers, John Howard Counts, William Wesley Counts, Donald Woodrow Counts; his grandson Timothy Andrew Hasamear; brother-in-law, Jack Hill; nephew Buzz Thompson; nieces, Danyelle Heinz, Nicole Laux and Cadence Carr.

James was a volunteer firefighter/EMT for the State Park Volunteer Fire Department for 29 years, served on the Collinsville Tepee Board for nearly 40 years and worked as a custodian at the Collinsville School District for 24 years. All the kids at the schools he worked always called him Mr. Jim. He never met a stranger and always had a joke. He was loved deeply by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.

Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 4:00pm - 6:00pm at Herr Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 501 West Main Street, Collinsville IL 62234. Services to follow at 6pm. Pastor Ron Habermehl will officiate.

The family is being served by Herr Funeral Home, 501 West Main Street, Collinsville, Illinois  62234 (618) 344-0187