James Alexander Bingham Sr., age 82, passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2013 at his home with his family at his side.He was born in Belfast Northern Ireland on October 23, 1930 to Joseph Charles and Barbara Ann (Connolly) Bingham.
He followed his sister Mabel to America looking for job opportunities in August of 1948.
His first job here was at Morgan Dye where he made many friends he kept for life. His second job was at Barber Coleman where he worked for awhile before being drafted into the United States Army. He served in Italy working as a Mess Sergeant. Upon returning to the states he resumed his position with Barber Coleman where he met his wife of 59 years Miss Nancy Joan Barber of Roscoe, IL. After their marriage they made their home in Rochelle and they began a family that would grow to seven children. Shortly after their marriage Jim began working for Tilton Homes where he learned the construction trades. In 1957 Jim and Bill Purvis started Rochelle Drywall which Jim would later become the sole owner and operator. Jim retired from the business in 2010 to spend more time with his family.
A proud American since arriving, Jim attained Citizenship on June 20, 2011.

Jim possessed great wit, a wonderful sense of humor and an ability to tell stories. He loved to joke and kid around with everyone. When Jim was around you knew you were going to have a good time. He never missed an opportunity to socialize. Jim's greatest joy in life came from his family he loved them all very much from his wife Nancy to his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and his in laws.
Jim was a member of the Rochelle United Methodist Church , VFW Post 3878 past member of the Rochelle Jaycees & Rochelle Moose Club. He served on the building committee of the Rochelle United Methodist Church. Jim was an avid bowler for many years.
During the last days of his life he was surrounded by the whole family. He expressed his love to all of us.
Jim was proceeded in death by his parents & brother Sydney of Belfast Northern Ireland his nephew Freddy Groen and his beloved daughter Judith Ann.

Jim is survived by his wife Nancy, his son James (JoAnn) Alexander Bingham Jr., daughter Joanie (Rick) Whaley, daughter Kathy (Jim) Dutmer, son Steven J. (Deana) Bingham Sr., daughter Nancy L.(Randy Reynolds) Bingham, son Patrick (Amy) Bingham.
His grandchildren Jackie (Brian) Ramsey, Jeanette (Ryan) Tartaglia, James A. (Jamie) Bingham III, Rachel (Matt Mueller) Whaley, Jason Whaley, Nicole (Tom) Wyatt, Amy (Lavarris) Gardner, Paul Dutmer, Danny Dutmer, Steven (Jennifer Kindle) Bingham Jr., Erin (David) DiMenna, Chris (Jessica Zhe)Powell, Joe Powell (Lucy Johnson) Powell, Alex Bingham, Jacob Bingham, Sydney Garrels and Connor Bingham
His great grandchildren Aiden & Jackson Ramsey, Zeagan Tartaglia, Reed & Hunter Dalen, Addison & James A. Bingham IV, Marisa & Dylan Whaley and Noah & Ethan Wyatt, Jacob & Logan Kindle and soon to arrive baby Gardner.
Jim is also survived by his sister Mabel (James) Morrison of Florida, his brother Charlie Bingham of Belfast Northern Ireland, nieces Lorraine of England, Margaret of Northern Ireland, Barbara, Colleen and Rogene of Florida and his nephew Sydney of Indiana. Many great nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 13, 2013 at the Unger Horner Funeral Home, 400 N 6th St., Rochelle with Chaplain Judy Williams officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4 - 8 PM. Burial at Trinity Memory Gardens with military honors provided by the Eastern-Lee Ogle Honor Guard.