William James Binion

William James “Jim” Binion passed away peacefully at home, with his family by his side, on Monday, December 30, 2024, at the age of 88 years old.

Jim was born on June 13, 1936, to Samuel James Binion, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Binion in San Diego, California. Since Jim’s family moved to Arlington when he was two years old, he considered himself a lifelong Arlington resident. His first job was delivering newspapers on his Cushman scooter with side car, and then later as a teenager, he was in charge of the concession stand at Meadowbrook Park.

Jim attended Arlington High School where he played football and basketball, and he was a member of the Class of 1954 graduating class. The class remained close after graduation and had class reunions and monthly meetings throughout the years. Jim was proud to serve as Treasurer of the Class of ’54 Alumni Association.

Jim attended Arlington State College for two years before serving two years active duty in the U.S. Navy as a radioman from 1955-57, and he served six years in the Reserves.

After his military service, Jim worked in the Accounting Department at Texas Electric Service Company in Fort Worth. Jim was working there when he met his wife, Shirley, in 1959, and after dating and becoming engaged, they were married in Fort Worth in 1962; and this year on August 4th, they celebrated 62 years of marriage.

Jim began working for The University of Texas at Arlington in the Business Office as an accountant. He retired after 35 years as Assistant Business Manager in January 1996.

Jim and Shirley have two daughters, Cindy and Debbie. Jim was an avid sports enthusiast and was always available to help both daughters practice their sports. He coached daughter Debbie’s softball team for several years.

Jim was a football official for the Fort Worth Chapter of Football Officials. As head linesman, he officiated high school and college-level games in the Gulf Star Conference, as well as the Lone Star Conference, and he was a lifetime member of the Fort Worth Chapter.

After Jim’s retirement from UTA, he worked for American Airlines in the Advantage Program. This provided him and Shirley the opportunity to travel extensively, and that led to their buying a timeshare in beautiful Cabo San Lucas, which they enjoyed for many years.

Jim was a big Texas Rangers fan, and he worked for the Texas Rangers Baseball Club in their suites as security, and he also worked as a ticket seller. He and Shirley attended many games with family and friends.

Jim loved playing golf, and he worked as a Marshal at the Waterchase Golf Course in Fort Worth for several years.

Jim and Shirley have been members of the Arlington Historical Society for many years, and they always enjoyed attending Arlington’s Fourth of July parades every year.

They were members of the UTA Maverick Club for many years, and since both Jim and Shirley were employed at UTA, they have always supported the university and their sports’ programs.

Jim and Shirley have been members of the First Baptist Church, Arlington, and the Celebration Class in the Friendship Department for 18 years. They volunteered at Mission Arlington with their Sunday School class, as well as volunteering in Mission Arlington’s Christmas Store.

After Jim and Shirley joined First Baptist, their pastor, Dr. Dennis Wiles, baptized Jim, along with his brother Sam.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Sam Binion, Sr.; mother, Elizabeth (Binion) Ressler; brother, David Binion; brother, Sam Binion, Jr.; sister, Anne Darland; brother-in-law, Bill Darland; great grandson, Luke Warren.

Jim is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shirley Binion; daughter, Cindy Smith and husband, Kevin Smith; daughter, Debbie Binion; granddaughter, Sarah Warren and husband, Dylan Warren; granddaughter, Kristyn Smith; great grandson, Liam Warren; great granddaughter, Lacy Warren; sister, Terri Burnham and husband, Jerry Burnham; sister-in-law, Lynn Binion; and nieces and nephews.

Jim was such a loving, caring husband, Dad, Granddad, and great Granddad.

He had a great personality and was a true people person.

He was most happy being with his family and his many wonderful friends over the years.

Memorial donations may be made in Jim’s name to Mission Arlington, Dementia/Alzheimer’s Association, or a charity of your choice.

The family is thankful and appreciative for Jim’s hospice care and support provided by Dr. David Capper; Alison Hrab, RN; Adam Moustaader, caregiver; Melanie Mason, caregiver; Kari Summers, nurse practitioner; Kristin Klade, chaplain; and Sharon Rodgers, Krystal Howard, Holly Merritt, social workers from Community Healthcare of Texas.