Longtime Naperville educator dies

Throughout his long career at Naperville North High School, Jim Dollinger was the "go-to guy," known for his compassion and work ethic.

Dollinger, an Aurora resident, died Monday at age 61 after a brief battle with lung cancer.

For 33 years he dedicated much of his time to his career in education, much of which was spent at Naperville North where he served as a dean and assistant principal over the years. He also spent four years as assistant principal at Naperville Central.

Assistant Principal Tim Wierenga called Dollinger a tremendous person to work with.

"I enjoyed going in and talking to him and getting his perspective on things," Wierenga said today. "He was the type of guy who, when he was a dean, was a fair honest guy (students) could rely on. As assistant principal, everybody knew he was a good guy, but a guy who got the work done he was assigned."

Dollinger retired in 2001 and spent a year traveling around the country with his wife, Linda. He also enjoyed volunteering, fishing, computers and woodworking.

Memorials in Dollinger's name can be made to the American Cancer Society.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Daleiden Mortuary, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora. Family will greet friends from 9 a.m. until the time of the service.