James "Jim" A. Binder

Jim Binder, 84, died Monday, March 30, 2026, at home in Rockford, Illinois, in the presence of loved ones. He was greatly loved by his children, grandchildren and their families.  

The son of Harry and Elizabeth Binder, Jim was born on April 14, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois. On August 11, 1962 he married Dorothy Lee Routson in Chicago, at Grace Free Church. Jim and Dottie met in high school and sang together in the Steinmetz High School Chorus in Chicago.  After high school, Jim attended Roosevelt University in Chicago where he received his Bachelor's degree, later earning a Master's degree from Northern Illinois University. He completed his studies in 1976, earning a Certificate of Advanced Studies in educational administration from Northern Illinois University.  

After graduating from Roosevelt University, Jim began teaching in Chicago before moving to Schaumburg to teach in School District 54, then moving into school administration. In 1967 he became the Principal for Anne Fox Elementary School in Hanover Park, Illinois. He held that position until he took early retirement in 1994.  He then took up missionary work, making trips to Honduras and Russia.  Jim joined the administrative team for First Baptist Church of Geneva Preschool and after a few a few years joined the board of Cornerstone Christian Academy in Sycamore, IL.  

After Dorothy retired in 1999, they dusted off long held plans for their dream house and moved to Rockford. Soon after, Jim and Dorothy began to travel, cruising through the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, and Alaska.  In 2002, Jim returned to missionary service by joining Kids Around the World, performing administrative roles at the organization's Rockford, IL headquarters.  He continued his Christian service, becoming an elder at First Free Rockford. One of his greatest joys was praying with the Pastors before service every Sunday.

Survivors include son, Jim Binder, Jr. and wife Kris (Hope); daughter, Jennifer and his grandson, Ethan; daughter, Jeanne Okrasinski and her husband, Jeff and their children; his granddaughters, Noelle, Ruth and Anna; and his grandson, Eli.  He was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy; and brother, William.

Visitation will be on April 3, Good Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with a Funeral Service following at 12:00 p.m. at First Free Church, 2223 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61107. Pastor Dave Creek will officiate. Cake and coffee will be available after the funeral.  Private burial in Arlington Memorial Park, Rockford.

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