James "Jim" Fijacko

James “Jim” Fijacko, 58, of Rochester,MN died on Tuesday (August 11, 2026) following a sudden medical event at his home.

James Frederick Fijacko Jr. was born on January 5, 1968 in Litchfield,MN to James and Gloria (Kiehne) Fijacko. He moved often as a young child with his parents and family and grew up for a number of years in Salt lake City,UT before moving to Rochester,MN, where he attended John Marshall HS graduating in 1986. He was married in 1989 in California to Victoria L. McKnight. Following their marriage the couple lived in Reno,NV for a few years. They were later divorced. While in Reno, Jim was employed as an automobile body shop painter and detailer, beginning a long career as a commerical painting specialist. In 1999, Jim moved to Rochester,MN with his 2 daughters – Amber and Christina. He was employed at McNeilius Manufacuring in Dodge Center,MN in their paint shop for the past 27 years. He liked taking on custom detail painting jobs for family and friends. Jim enjoyed driving, off roading and camping in the many Jeeps he owned, building and adding to his extensive Lego collection, doing Jigsaw puzzles with his Mom, and watching movies. He loved time spent with family, especially his grandchildren.                                                             

Jim is survived by 2 daughters -  Amber (Thomas) Bruhnke of  Tonganoxi,KS and Christina (Curtis) Boone of Racine,MN and 7 grandchildren – Rose, Matthias, Ezra, McKenna, Micha, Addelynn and Wesson; his sister – Kari (Steven) Peterson of Owatonna,MN and brother – Nick (Amy) Fijacko and niece - Emma of Mankato,MN. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.                                                                                                                              

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM on Thursday (August 20, 2026)  at Victory Baptist Church in Rochester,MN with Rev. Brandon Black officiating. Burial and a committal service will follow at Racine-Salem Cemetery in rural Racine, MN. A time of visitation for family and friends will be from 10 AM until time of service at the church on Thursday morning. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray FH in Stewartville,MN. Condolences and memories of Jim are welcome at www.griffin-gray.com

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