James Rajkowski

Jim Rajkowski, age 75, of Ray, ND, passed away March 9, 2024, at Missouri Slope Care Center in Bismarck, two days before his 76^thbirthday. 

He will be interred at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan at a later date.   

Jim was born in St. Cloud, MN, on March 11, 1948, to Henry and Angeline (Jochum) Rajkowski.  He grew up in a rural setting and graduated in 1966.  Under his uncle Eugene Jochum’s leadership, Jim enlisted in the National Guard when he was a senior in high school and went on to serve two years active duty on the USS Wainwright during the Vietnam Conflict.

After leaving the Navy, Jim returned to St. Cloud where he worked in construction before moving onto foundry work at Twin City Tool and Die Casting.  After marrying and having children, Jim along with his family, moved to the Williston Basin area in North Dakota where he and his wife, Connie (Chapek), raised three daughters.  Jim was an over-the-road semi-truck driver when he wasn’t working in the oilfield.  His last job was his favorite, working as a night auditor at Travel Host Hotel in Williston, ND.  He worked there until the hotel was torn down and he then retired.   Jim loved to hunt, fish and spend time with his family and their horses.  His favorite farm activity was raising chickens and selling the eggs.

Jim was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be missed by those who knew and loved him including his wife, Connie; three daughters, Lorri (Matt) McDowell, Teresa Rajkowski, and Jessica (Michael) Meberg Ewald.  Jim was a very proud grandpa to his four granddaughters, Elysis, Mackenzie, Laiken, and Rowan.   

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, David, John (Huntz), Ronald, and Dennis Rajkowski.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please send any gifts or donations to:  

Weigel Funeral and Cremation Service 

Attn: Connie (James) Rajkowski

309 4^th Avenue NW

Mandan, ND 58554