James Robert (Jim) Collopy, 85 of Santa Cruz, California passed away peacefully on

November 7, 2025 with his family by his side.

Jim was born in San Francisco to Gertrude and James Collopy on June 11, 1940, the same day as his maternal grandmother, Claire MacCabe. He attended St. Ignatius High School in San Francisco, graduating in 1958. Jim went on to earn a degree in Education from San Francisco State University. Jim played football at SFSU under Vic Rowen and was inducted into their Football Hall of Fame.

He was given the nickname “Jumbo” because he played tight end and was the leading pass receiver in 1961. In 1963 he signed a contract to play for the Oakland Raiders. Jim could run and pass catch with anyone on the team but the Raiders were looking for a tight end that weighed over 250 pounds, Jim only weighed 210 pounds. He participated in the summer ‘63 training camp and one Raiders game.

Jim worked as a teacher and counselor at Hidden Valley Ranch and Log Cabin Schools in La Honda for the San Francisco Unified School District for 28 years.

Diane and Jim grew up together in San Francisco. Their parents knew each other since their high school days. The two families vacationed together. Diane and Jim were married in June 1961 and started their family in San Francisco. Jim and Diane were married for 64 years. They worked as California State park volunteers for 20 years at the Humboldt Redwoods State Park in Weott, California. Jim loved the redwood trees and enjoyed volunteering in the summer months. He had a passion for reading, especially Clive Cussler’s novels. He had a profound love of biblical scriptures and devotion to his Catholic religion. Jim was a kind, passionate man who loved people and reached out at every occasion to meet and greet friends and strangers alike.

At the beginning of every football season, you could find Jim decked out from head to foot - hat, shirt, socks, shoes - in his favorite black and silver football gear for the Raiders team. He had about 150 caps and tee shirts from various sports teams including football, baseball and some of his favorite places he visited. His love of team comradery, enthusiasm, and love of sports carried over to his three daughters through basketball, softball, and swimming.

Jim received a liver transplant in 2001. He volunteered for the Donor Network West, speaking to local organizations and schools about the importance of organ donation. Jim was able to be a skin tissue donor to help several people for many years to come. Knowing he was able to help others would have meant so much to Jim—it truly brought his life full circle.

His devoted and dedicated wife Diane, walked hand in hand with him through the many challenges on his life’s journey.

Jim is survived by his wife Diane, his sister Patricia Kelleher (Tim), brother Donald Collopy (Paula), daughters Caryn Collopy, Suzanne Lamb (Sean), grandchildren, Cole Morley (Kendralyn), Josilyn Collopy-Bach, Nikolas, Jonah, and Izaak Wilhelm, and great grandchildren, Ivy & Ruth Wilhelm, and nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his daughter Jeanne Collopy-Bach.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to his medical team.

Donations in Jim’s name may be made to:

Donor Network West, 12667 Alcosta Blvd #500, San Ramon, CA 94583

A service will be held at a later date.