Jim N. Binaris

Jim N. Binaris

Jim N. Binaris, 90, passed away peacefully March 5, 2015, at the Chancellor Gardens Senior Living community in Clearfield, Utah.

Jim always recognized that his life was quite extraordinary.  He would frequently say, “Things just always seemed to work out for me.” Jim was a man of impeccable character.  He was a true gentleman.  Jim was honest, hardworking, kind and generous.  He had a delightful sense of humor.  He was successful in his career, in his family, and in his personal life. 

Jim was born May 22, 1924, in Pocatello, Idaho to Nicholas and Mary Nova Binaris. His mother passed away when he was only 18 months old, and Poet Ann Moyes became his caregiver.  He regarded her as his mother for the remainder of her life.

He married Lois Jean “Jeannie” Lish July 6, 1954, in the St. John’s Presbyterian Church in Reno, Nevada. They lived a happy, joyful life together for 32 years until her death January 2, 1986. Jim was fortunate to find happiness again in his second marriage with Janet Elizabeth “Jane” Matthews.  They were married July 30, 1990, in Lake Tahoe, and enjoyed traveling together and sweet companionship until her passing November 26, 2004.

He graduated from Pocatello High School in 1941 and Idaho State College in 1947 with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. While in college, Jim was elected senior class president. He was a member of the Phi Delta Chi fraternity for men in the sciences of Pharmacy and Chemistry. He also was also a member of the Intercollegiate Knights. 

His college education was interrupted when he was called June 24, 1944, to serve in the US Navy, where he was awarded the American Area Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal for his service.  He was also on the Hospital Navy Corps football and basketball championship teams. He was honorably discharged as a Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class, June 28, 1946. 

After graduation from Idaho State, Jim’s career began in Magna, Utah in a local drug store.  Sometime later, he was recruited by Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company as a sales representative over the western territory, requiring a move to Reno, Nevada. Several years later, Jim left Upjohn, and worked for Eagle Drug in Reno, until opening his own drug store, Jim’s Rexall Drug, in 1963. He worked with his wife Jeannie by his side until he sold the store and semi retired in 1979.  He continued working as a pharmacist part time in stores around Reno for several more years. Jim was a member of the Nevada State Pharmaceutical Association and served as president of the organization.  He was also a member of the Elk’s Lodge and Hidden Valley Country Club.

Jim excelled in sports of all kinds. He was an avid golfer, and enjoyed tennis, swimming, bowling and playing pool.  On the weekends he loved watching and betting on football.  

He was a prolific reader and typically read three newspapers a day. He loved business and finance and was quite successful investing in the markets.

Jim lived in Reno until 2005, when he moved to Las Vegas. In 2013, he moved to Utah where he resided until his passing.  

He is survived by his daughter, Janey Binaris (Alan) Johnson of Farmington, Utah; step children, Richard (Brooke) Matthews, of Elko, NV, Carroll Charlet (Jorgi Day), of Reno, NV, and Phillip (Sam) Matthews, of Ocala, FL. Grandchildren include: Andrew Ostler, Nicholas Ostler, Alexandra Ostler, and Elizabeth Charlet, Regan Matthews and Austin Matthews; and a great granddaughter, Chanel Salamanopoulos.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Jean Binaris and his second wife, Jane Binaris.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, Layton, Utah.  

A graveside service with military honors will take place Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at 3 p.m. at Mountain View Cemetery, Reno Nevada.