J. Collins holds a foundational background rooted in the funeral service industry, having begun his career in 1997. He graduated from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in February 2000 and became a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer shortly thereafter. Collins transitioned into leadership roles early, becoming the owner and director of J. Collins Funeral Home & Cremation Service in July 2002. His professional expertise expanded into public service when he was elected as the youngest mayor of Villa Rica, Georgia, a position he held until 2016. Collins has since maintained a consistent record in the Georgia House of Representatives, winning multiple elections unopposed.

J. Collins's political identity is shaped by a blend of local business acumen and community-centric governance, creating an intriguing ideological tension. Despite his background in the funeral service, Collins's legislative record reveals a surprising alignment with environmental regulations, suggesting a calculated approach to balancing industrial interests with broader community health. His rhetorical style emphasizes personal connection and regional pride, often framing issues through a lens of local impact and personal responsibility.