James Waller Collinson (1938-2026)

Jim joined the Ohio State faculty in 1966 and contributed decades of teaching, research, and service until his retirement in 1995. He regularly taught courses such as Introduction to Geology, Historical Geology, and Stratigraphy & Sedimentation, and he often led regional geology field trips to the Bahamas to study carbonate sedimentology and stratigraphy.

One of Jim’s major research themes was the detailed stratigraphic and sedimentologic analysis of rocks in Antarctica’s Transantarctic Mountains, a key region for understanding Permian–Triassic geological history. His Antarctic research documented trace fossils and paleobotanical components in fluvial deposits, providing valuable insight into paleoecological conditions and depositional environments. After his retirement, Jim relocated to Fort Collins, Colorado, but remained active in research and teaching, frequently serving as a lecturer on Antarctic cruise voyages.

Jim was also a legendary summer Field Camp instructor (1967-1995) and past director. His leadership and mentorship in Field Camp shaped the program for decades and were recognized at alumni reunions, including the 75th anniversary gathering in Ephraim, where he was invited to speak about key localities. His impact on students inspired the creation of the Jim Collinson and Jay & Laura Moffitt Field Camp Scholarship Fund, which supports students attending the summer field camp and reflects his longstanding dedication to experiential geoscience education.

In addition to his teaching and research, Jim served Ohio State in leadership roles including Chair of the Department of Geology (now the School of Earth Sciences) and Associate Dean of the College of Mathematics and Physical Sciences. As Associate Dean, he had broad responsibilities spanning college-wide academic programs, faculty affairs, budgeting, and strategic planning.

Jim is survived by his children, Catherine and John Collinson; his second wife, Madeleine Collinson; four stepchildren; ten grandchildren; and his beloved dogs Buddy and Jacques.

A celebration of life service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Fort Collins on January 31 at 11 a.m. Mountain Time. The church is located at 1005 Stover St, Fort Collins, CO 80524. The service will also be streamed live at https://www.firstchurchfc.org. 

Jim was a valued colleague, mentor, and friend, and he will be deeply missed by the School of Earth Sciences and the Byrd Center.

Donations in Jim's honor can be made to the Friends of the Byrd Polar & Climate Research Center fund.