James A Janikowski

James A. Janikowski, age 85, of Grafton, ND, passed away on Thursday, July 22, 2021 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton.

James Janikowski was born January 2, 1936 in Grafton, ND, the son of the late Walter and Myrtle (Strand) Janikowski.  He grew up and attended school in Grafton.  He was united in marriage to Rita Dusek on February 21, 1953.  He enlisted in the US Army where he served in the Korean War from 1953-1955.  Following his discharge he returned to Grafton where he worked for various employers.  He started Jim’s Remodeling in 1976 where he did remodeling jobs until retiring in 1998.  He continued to do the odd job here and there following his retirement.  He moved into the Lutheran Sunset Home in September of 2019.

James was a member of the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church of Grafton, the Grafton VFW where he served as post Commander, the Military Order of the Cootie, the American Legion, and the AMVETS.

He is survived by his children: Cathy Janikowski, Bismarck, ND, Myra (Mark) Howard, Grand Forks, ND, Brian (Michelle) Janikowski, Cecilia (Rick) LaHaise,and Todd (Roxanne) Janikowski, all of Grafton, ND; grandchildren: Darren Eng, Laura (Corey) Kasprick, Barett (Heidi) Eng, Ryan Eng, Megan (Jake) Ellefson, Brock Janikowski, Savannah (Andrew) Spartz, and Joshua Howard; 6 great grandchildren; siblings: Donald (Yvonne) Janikowski, ID and Mary Ann Frieze, Eugene, OR; special friend for many years Phyllis Campbell; as well as several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, infant son Allen, grandson Christopher Janikowski, 2 brothers and 1 sister.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 1:30 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the Funeral Home.  Military rites will be provided by the Grafton American Legion Post #41 and the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard.  Inurnment will be at the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery of Grafton.  In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton.