James "Jim" E. Nijoka, Dds

James “Jim” E. Nijoka, DDS, 69, of Rockford, passed away Saturday, December 21, 2019, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. Jim was born September 24, 1950, the son of Edward and Marion (Ream) Nijoka. Jim graduated from Rockford East High School, class of 1968. He went on to attend Carroll College in Waukesha, WI and then received his degree in dentistry from University of Illinois, Chicago. Jim was very proud of being awarded the “Most Professional” in his class. He married Sue Sinks in Rockford, on June 16, 1973, and together they raised three sons. Jim was an avid fisherman and enjoyed wood carving. He and Sue enjoyed antiquing together for many years and the antiques we brought home were always projects that Jim repaired. Jim was a member of the American Dental Society and the Winnebago County Dental Society.
Survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Sue; his sons, Matthew Nijoka of Loves Park, Andrew (fiancé, Jeanine Singer) Nijoka of Loves Park, and Steven (Lisa) Nijoka of Raleigh, N.C.; his grandchildren, Tristan, McKenzie, Abigail, and Madisyn; his sister, Barbara Krug and several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Gary Krug.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 28, 2019, in Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with the Rev. Dean Parker officiating. Visitation from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to any non-kill animal shelter in Jim’s name. Cremation rites will be accorded. To share an online condolence, please visit www.fitzeraldfh.com.