James Raykowski

James E. Raykowski passed away after a brief but valiant battle against cancer. He passed while surrounded by family at Mayo Clinic's Rochester Methodist Hospital at the age of 29. James was born on May 11th, 1986 - Mother's Day - to Mike and Cindy Raykowski. He grew up in St. Paul with his brother Matt. He moved with his family to Lake Elmo, Minnesota in 1998 and later graduated from Stillwater High School. After High School he enlisted in the Army and spent two tours overseas in Afghanistan doing carpentry and masonry. After his discharge in 2010, he continued his service for our country through the Army Reserves. In civilian life he became an armored truck driver for Dunbar and later a vault guard for Brinks. He was diagnosed with cancer in December of 2014. After surgery and sixteen weeks of aggressive chemotherapy he was considered in remission. Just four short weeks later the cancer returned in his spine and brain. Determined and courageous he was transferred to Mayo Clinic to continue his fight. He was given exceptionally aggressive chemotherapy but after three treatments the side effects of the chemo and the tumor on his brain forced them to stop the treatment so they could focus on his health. Despite the best efforts of James' doctors and nurses he lost his heroic battle with cancer on Sunday, June 21st, 2015 - Father's Day. James was kind almost to a fault. He'd give the shirt off his back if he could and gave the warmest hugs. He was a motorcycle enthusiast and had aspirations to one day own his own mechanic shop. He was proud to be a veteran but was ready to come home and pursue his other dreams. James loved animals, a trait he received from his mother, and thoroughly enjoyed his time spent with 4H. He loved working the petting zoo at the Washington County Fair, he enjoyed working with the children and little animals. James had a deep passion for video games but not just as a means of entertainment. He made many friends and had a lasting impact on many lives through his participation in the gaming community. Many people there will miss him dearly. His father, Mike (Jeanne); brother, Matt; sister-in-law, Julie; nephew, AJ; niece, Lily; aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends take comfort in knowing that he is at peace the Lord and reunited with his mother, Cindy; brother, Jaun; grandmother, Fran; grandfather, Rich; grandmother, Dorothy; grandfather, CJ; uncle, Terry; uncle Richie, and many other relatives. Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, June 25th at 10:00am at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 16770 13th St.S, Lakeland MN. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Visitation Wednesday, June 24th from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Bradshaw, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd, Stillwater and one hour prior to the service at the church.