View Obituaries
Remembering Lives, Celebrating Legacies
Remembering those who have left us. This obituaries page is a simple tribute to individuals who touched our lives. May their legacies endure in our memories.
James Walton Kostenbader
5/16/1954 - 7/15/2026
/fit-in/200x300/filters:fill(white)/prod/2520/545833/hixTHi627MRLqyBYKostenbaderJames.jpg)
Obituary For James Walton Kostenbader
James W. Kostenbader died suddenly July 15, 2026.
For his entire life, Jim was beloved by all who knew him. Jim was born in 1954, the eldest son of Marie and Walton Kostenbader of Hope, NJ. There he grew up on Kostenbader Road. During Kindergarten, he developed a friendship with Jean Vohl, also of Hope. After graduating from Belvidere High School (NJ), Jim and Jean married in 1974. That early friendship grew into a lifelong love for and devotion to each other that served as an inspiration for so many others. They would have celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary in August.
Jim and Jean have lived in Rapid City since 1974. Jim founded JK Crane Service of Rapid City, where he served as owner and operator. Over the years, his business contributed to many construction projects within the Black Hills and its surrounding areas.
Jim’s joys during his lifetime included motorcycling, golfing, boating, oldies music and, most recently, watching reruns of vintage TV shows with his cat, Alfie. Helpful, patient, easy-going and kind, as well as a fine friend, Jim could be counted on to help with any problem and could fix just about anything. His quiet sense of humor endeared him to all.
Jim is survived by his cherished and loving wife, Jean, and his dear and loving son and daughter-in-law, Billy Kostenbader and Erika Toyoda, all of Rapid City, SD. He is also survived by his sister, Suzie Stocker and family of Yardley, PA, and by many, many friends and family members throughout the country.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, and by his brother, Tom Kostenbader.
Funeral arrangements will be private.
Donations to honor Jim’s life may be sent to
Rockerville Volunteer Fire Department
13720 S. Hwy 16, Rapid City, SD 57702.
Photos & Video
Add New Photos & Video
Tributes
-
Keiko&Noriko sent Red and White Handled Basket for James Walton Kostenbader - 07/21/2026
With deepest sympathy.Jim will always be in our hearts. Love..........Keiko&Noriko.
Condolences
-
/religious/dove.jpg)
07/25/2026
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of a wonderful man. You have all gone many health trials the last almost 20yrs but your love was always your guide and you were so very blessed to have each other.
-
07/21/2026
We are so sorry. We are truly grateful to have met Jim and to have become a good friend.
-
07/19/2026
PRAYERS FOR AN OLD FRIEND GOD BLESS YOU AND FAMILY DONALD R. HERRMANN
-
07/19/2026
Rest in peace Jim your present's will be deeply missed. My mother is Joan Knapp and every single time we visited Rapid and know that reading on the porch was a pass time. When we visited Jean always had Margaritas ready to chat on the porch with Jim. He was so kind and always had a smile to share. He will be deeply missed. My love goes out to the surviving family!
-
07/19/2026
I remember Jim and Jean when they lived across the street on north seventh. Very good neighborhoods and friends
-
07/18/2026
I am so sorry. My fondest memories with Jimmy is all the ski trips we made. He will be missed dearly by everyone who knew and loved him♥️😢
-
07/18/2026
Jim and Jean truly were the love of each other's lives. In 2nd grade Jim told the family he was going to marry Jeanie Vohl. Jim was dearly loved and will be missed by his East Coast cousins
-
07/17/2026
Jean Billy and Dr Erika.. Please except my very deepest sympathies and prayers for comfort in your loss.. Colleen CA for Dr Sutton
Add a Candle or Spiritual Image
Click below to add to your message.
/candles/candle-blue-unlit.gif "CANDLE_BLUE")
/candles/candle-green-unlit.gif "CANDLE_GREEN")
/candles/candle-lavender-unlit.gif "CANDLE_LAVENDER")
/candles/candle-orange-unlit.gif "CANDLE_ORANGE")
/candles/candle-pink-unlit.gif "CANDLE_PINK")
/candles/candle-red-unlit.gif "CANDLE_RED")
/candles/candle-white-unlit.gif "CANDLE_WHITE")
/candles/candle-yellow-unlit.gif "CANDLE_YELLOW")
/religious/cross-bible.jpg "CROSS_BIBLE")
/religious/cross.jpg "CROSS")
/religious/cross-draped.jpg "CHURCH_DRAPED")
/religious/cross-raised.jpg "CROSS_RAISED")
/religious/fish.jpg "FISH")
/religious/church.jpg "CHURCH")
/religious/torah.jpg "TORAH")
/religious/crescent-star.jpg "CRESCENT_STAR")
/religious/yin-yang.jpg "YIN_YANG")
/religious/chalice.jpg "CHALICE")
/religious/ten-commandments.jpg "TEN_COMMANDMENTS")
/religious/david-star.jpg "DAVID_STAR")
/religious/menorah.jpg "MENORAH")
/religious/crescent-quran.jpg "CRESCENT_QURAN")
/religious/crescent-mosque.jpg "CRESCENT_MOSQUE")
Useful Links
Add Your Useful Link
Contact Us to have your link and message added here.
Please fill out the form below. We will contact suitable submissions with further details.
Grief Resources
Grief resources offer vital support and guidance for individuals coping with loss, providing tools and community for healing.
Contact Us
Please contact us with any questions you have regarding advanced planning, services, grief resources, and any additional information needed during this time period.
Writing an Obituary
Writing an obituary is a poignant and reflective process, encapsulating the essence of a person’s life, achievements, and impact in a heartfelt tribute.