James Chimbidis

James Chimbidis, 88, of Aurora, passed away Friday, May 11, 2018, at his home. He was born on June 6, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois. Jim moved with his family when a young child to Mason City, Iowa, where he grew up to become a handsome strapping young man who loved to play sports, especially baseball and basketball. Jim (or Jimbo to his friends and family), gifted as a southpaw, was drafted by the old New York Giants as a pitcher and played for a spell for the Giant’s Springfield, Ohio and Sanford, Florida farm clubs. Jim attended the University of Iowa where he received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Broadcast Journalism. He worked in TV production at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, and as a science film writer for Argonne National Lab and Fermi Lab in the Chicago area, as well as writing, producing and/or directing many independent documentaries such as The Fire Below Us: Remembering Mt. St. Helens, To Fermi-With Love, Remember when-Mason City: A Historical Album and The Stones of Greece to name a very few. He worked with such notable talents as Eric Sevareid, Peter Graves and, the highlight of his career, Jonathan Winters. Jim traveled extensively and enjoyed a passion for history, photography, cinema, opera, jazz and the fine arts. James was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict. He is survived by his four children, Steve Kramer, Tom (Mila) Kramer, Doug (Lori) Kramer, Linda (Sherwood) Edwards; seven grandchildren, Michelle (Kevin) Kaiser, Rommel Kramer, Laarni Kramer, Dean Kramer, David Kramer, Sherwood J. (Florence) Edwards, Stephanie (Benji) Welden; ten great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara (Becker) Chimbidis; his parents, Nicolas and Panayiota (Nickolou) Chimbidis; two brothers, Michael Chimbidis and Leonidas Chimbidis. Funeral services will be held Friday, May 18, 2018 at 10:00 AM at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY. Rev Gary McCann will officiate. Interment will be private. Visitation will be held Thursday, May 17, 2018 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at THE DALEIDEN MORTAURY, 220 North Lake Street, Aurora, Illinois 60506. (630) 631-5500. Please visit our interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may sign the guest book or leave condolences for James’ family.

James Chimbidis

June 6, 1929 - May 11, 2018