Parking garage suicide victim managed mixed martial arts gym

The man who jumped to his death Sunday morning at the South Point parking garage was identified as James Joseph Binns Jr.

Binns, 37, was the manager of a local mixed martial arts gym, Fight Capital Gym.

According to his father, 77-yearold Philadelphia attorney James Joseph Binns Sr., he leaves behind a wife and three children. His wife is pregnant with their fourth child.

Originally from Philadelphia, James Binns Jr. moved to Las Vegas to pursue his passion.

“He was heavily involved in the world of boxing, and that’s where he wanted to make that his life’s work,” said his father, a former attorney for the World Boxing Association. “He traveled with me from the time he was 4 years old all over the world.”

Juan Rivera, the younger Binns’ friend and neighbor, described him as “an outstanding guy” who “was always happy.” Their children attend the same school.

“He was always playing around with his kids,” Rivera said. “We’d see him at school and in the community.”

Jason Crocco, 34, a coach at Fight Capital Gym, said James Binns Jr. offered him advice and consolation following a nasty breakup with a girlfriend.

“He was always there and talking to me, saying, ‘It will get better,’” Crocco said. “It was just the little things when I needed it the most.”

Crocco wants Binns to be remembered for his kindness.

“Jimmy had one of those personalities; when you start to talk to him, you get that quick friendship,” Crocco said.

“In any situation, he’ll become friends with whoever.” Contact Brooke Wanser at bwanser@reviewjournal.com. Follow @Bwanser_LVRJ on Twitter.