Richard James "Jamie" Eldredge

Richard James (Jamie) Eldredge III passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, in New London, Minnesota, at the age of 68. He was born on March 12, 1957, in Des Moines, Iowa.

His Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m., March 28, 2026 at Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Jamie graduated in 1976 from Valley High School, where he discovered a deep love for the performing arts. He continued to pursue this passion at Yankton College where he acted in numerous plays and productions with several theater companies. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1980. Jamie further developed his craft at the University of Minnesota, where he earned his Master of Fine Arts in Acting in 1983.

Jamie built a rich and varied acting career in both the Twin Cities and Chicago, performing in theater productions as well as in film, television, commercials, and voice-over work. His creativity, humor, and dedication to his craft made him a joy to work with and a memorable presence on every stage he touched.

Beyond acting, Jamie had a lifelong love of history, books, and storytelling. He was an enthusiastic learner, a thoughtful conversationalist, and someone who delighted in sharing what he knew. His curiosity about the world and the people in it was one of his defining traits.

Jamie also had a special gift with children. He provided child care for many years, and he especially cherished reading to the children around him. His warmth, patience, and playful spirit made him a beloved figure to countless families.

He is preceded in death by his father, Richard J. (Jim) Eldredge Jr.; his mother, Martha Mae Wright; and his brother, Daniel Shawn Eldredge. He is survived by his step-mother, Darla Siebrecht; his brother, William Kirtley (Kirt) Eldredge, and wife, Carol; his sister, Martha Molly Anderson, and husband, Tom; his nieces and nephews: Emma Knutson, husband Sam, Will Eldredge, wife Kimmy, Daniel Anderson, Ella Anderson, and Eliza Anderson; as well as many extended family members and friends who will forever hold him close in their hearts.

Though he is gone, the memories he created and the love he shared will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

May he rest in peace.

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