James "Jamie" Eldringhoff

James Vincent Eldringhoff, 69, Topeka, Kansas, passed away on July 17, 2023, after a ten-year, bravely fought battle with multiple myeloma.
Jamie was born on September 5, 1953, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Herbert and Thelma Jean Ellyson Eldringhoff. He graduated from Center High School in 1971. Jamie worked several jobs in Kansas City and Canada. He especially enjoyed his job as a bellman at Crown Center in Kansas City, where he worked until he joined the United States Air Force in 1974. In the Air Force, he served as an Air Traffic Controller until he was honorably discharged in 1978.
Jamie's master sergeant in the Air Force, Ken Saylor, wrote glowingly about Jamie's years in the service. He said "Jamie was sharp both as an Airman and as an air traffic controller. He was also a kind person who everyone on the crew loved. It was impossible not to like him I relied on him a lot to work in the busiest, most complex control positions. But his greatest action was the courage he showed fighting that horrible cancer. He was brave beyond words. I am richer to have known him and to have called him my friend."
Following his service in the Air Force, Jamie returned to his position at Crown Center until going to work as an air traffic controller for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in January of 1982. He retired from the FAA in August of 1997, having risen to the level of Tower Chief at Forbes Field in Topeka. After leaving the FAA, Jamie was trained as an auctioneer. He became a realtor and a real estate broker, establishing his own company, Eldringhoff Real Estate.
In 1981, Jamie married Cheryl McCain; they later divorced. They had four sons: Tony, Nick, Joe, and Pat. There are also four grandchildren, Isaac, Gideon, Emma, and Noah.
Jamie loved many things in life, including his family, the sun, Cabo San Lucas, chocolate, homemade ice cream, coffee, cologne, cooking, rock n' roll music, motorcycles, fast cars, shrimp cocktails, antiques, aviation, the zoo, giving and sharing even to his detriment, and connecting with others. He was a fan of the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs. Jamie was the nicest, kindest person, and he never had an unkind word for anyone. He enjoyed watching The Sopranos, Cirque de Soleil, track and field events as well as other sports, and people. He could spend hours at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library. Jamie enjoyed refurbishing old furniture, and was a volunteer with Midland Hospice. He ran the New York Marathon three times and ran in at least six other marathons. He had a boyish charm and a wonderful sense of humor.
Jamie married Marjie Gale in 2007; she survives and she misses him terribly. Her two adult children, Josh and Bailey Chaloupek, are proud to call him their stepfather. Her five grandchildren also loved him dearly.
Jamie is also survived by his older brother, David, who was at his side during crucial times during his illness. In addition, he is survived by his sister Jeanette McAllister and several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be on Sunday, October 1, 2023, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Garden House at Lake Shawnee. The address is 3720 SE Yacht Court, Topeka KS 66609.
Love and thanks to the oncology staff at the Topeka VA Medical Center, who were so caring and professional during Jamie's long illness. Special love and thanks go to Jayne Shannon, RN. She was with us for the entirety of his illness, offering support, love, guidance, and the utmost competence. She is an angel and we will be eternally grateful.