James Binski

James Chester Binski, M.D., passed away on Sunday, May 29, 2022, at Miami Valley Hospital. He was 78.
Dr. Binski will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, father, and friend who left the world a better place through his invaluable contributions to the medical field and the Dayton community. A world traveler and scholar, he was a true Renaissance man.
Born in Chicago, Illinois on September 16, 1943, Dr. Binski earned his medical degree from Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine. After graduation, he served as a United States Army Captain in the Medical Corps before completing his residency at the University of Florida and fellowships in Lecco, Italy and Kurgan, Russia. He settled in Dayton in 1985.
Known by his colleagues as “the Bone Daddy,” Dr. Binski was a celebrated orthopaedic surgeon and world-renowned for his advancements in the fields of trauma medicine and limb lengthening and reconstruction. He treated each of his patients as if they were his only one, and was invested in their healing as much as their personal happiness. He was a member the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, and the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, as well as a former president of the Limb Lengthening and Reconstruction Society.
Dr. Binski was also a committed educator who dedicated much of his career to sharing Western medicine with other parts of the world, through both his published research and articles, as well as hands-on training, having lectured and performed surgeries in over thirty countries. Back home, Dr. Binski was a professor at the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine’s Division of Orthopaedic Surgery for over 20 years, receiving the Professional Excellence in the Practice of Medicine award from the University’s Academy of Medicine in 2004, as well as multiple Teaching Excellence Awards throughout his career.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Binski had many talents and diverse interests throughout his life. He was an instrument-rated pilot, master SCUBA diver, (mediocre) golfer, and enthusiastic supporter of the performing arts, especially the opera. Dr Binski attended performances around the globe, and particularly enjoyed Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen. He spent time reading, collecting model trains, building model ships, listening to Johnny Cash, and completing complicated jigsaw puzzles. He will be remembered for his love of Christmas and any and all excuses to celebrate something. Dr. Binski enjoyed fine dining and relished the opportunity to share good jokes, Cuban cigars, and a great glass of wine or bourbon with his many friends.
Despite all his professional commitments and hobbies, Dr. Binski always made time for his beloved family. He was a devoted husband to Deborah, the proud father of Marie (Darrin), Christopher (Debra), Jennifer (Kelly), and Laura (William “Curry”), grandfather to Christian, Ana, Grace, Ellie, Caroline, Mark, and Megan, and uncle to many nieces and nephews. He joins his parents and four brothers in eternal life.
Dr. Binski’s outstanding life and memory will be celebrated at a visitation from 5-7 P.M. on June 3, 2022, at Routsong Funeral home Centerville (81 N main Street). His funeral service will be held at 12 P.M. on Saturday, June 4, 2022, at the Woodland Cemetery Chapel before he is laid to rest. Charitable donations may be made to the Save-A-Limb Fund at https://gratitude.lifebridgehealth.org/page/28644/donate/1