Well, for some fans, Jimmy Binkley never went anywhere. Peoria's elder statesman of the jazz piano still tickles the ivories every Wednesday and Saturday night at Sky Harbor.
But some of his other aficionados - specifically, those of a certain age and white hair - have wondered if he'd be back this year for his annual Christmas party for seniors. His health had been a question mark this year.
In summer 2007, he hosted his 20th Senior Citizens Day at the Courthouse Plaza, with hundreds of nursing home residents bused in for food and music. But at the end, he got dizzy and collapsed. His health continued to swoon last summer, so he canceled seniors day.
Binkley won't talk about specifics of his ailments. For one, he doesn't want any pity. For another, he has become obstinate as he piles up the years.
How old is Jimmy? He won't say. I once hired a team of mathematics gurus to calculate his age, but they gave up because computers don't go that high.
Anyway, I talked to Jimmy the other day, and he sounded good. I love talking to him, because he often starts the conversation by rasping, "How's the best looking guy I know?"
Obviously, Jimmy is either a really good liar, or he hangs out with some really unattractive people. Either way, I'll take a kind word from him any day.
In return, as I often do, I asked, "How's the hardest working man in show business?" He said he has been feeling better and stronger.
"I lost a little weight," said Binkley, who is as elfin in height as he is in spirit. "But I gained that back, plus three pounds."
Jimmy has returned to his typical rounds of retirement homes, flitting hither and yon with his portable piano, delighting the residents with his songbook. Like he said the other day - it doesn't matter which day, because his schedule is always busy - "I had to play two nursing homes yesterday, I'm playing two today and I have to play three tomorrow."
Plus, he says the Christmas party is a go. And he is excited.
"This is the big one: 15 years," he says.
The fete will be Dec. 3 at American Legion Post 979 in Bartonville. Entertainment will include the usual mix of ballroom dancing, cheap jokes, singalongs - and, of course, Binkley and his band buddies oozing standards and carols.
"It's a job trying to get everyone organized," he says.
In Binkley-esque fashion, he isn't content with the status quo. He has added new nursing homes to a guest list already topping 300. Thanks to the Peoria Elks Lodge, each gets lunch.
Each also receives a present. Many have no family or friends, so it's the only gift they'll get.
How does that happen? You.
The seniors appreciate useful gifts, like footies, socks, portable radios, hand lotions, soap, shaving cream and whatnot. If you care to help out, please wrap the present and mark each as to whether it's for a gent or lady. You can drop them off at Sky Harbor, 1321 N. Park Road, West Peoria. Or, if you need more info, give me a call.
Don't worry about coming up with too many presents. Jimmy takes extras to shut-in seniors in the weeks after the party.
As for next summer's party, we'll have to wait and see. As for now, it's great to see him back in action.
"The best thing in the world is to stay busy," he says.
PHIL LUCIANO is a columnist with the Journal Star. He can be reached at pluciano@pjstar.com, 686-3155 or (800) 225-5757, Ext. 3155.
