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James Ruland Missing Person Case

Last seen in North Fond du Lac, Wisconsin on Oct 24, 1995

Victim Details

Sep 4, 2010

Feb 16, 2022

James

Ruland

71

40

72 inches

160 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

Oct 24, 1995

North Fond du Lac

Wisconsin

Fond du Lac County

54937

No

21210

Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office

Fond du Lac

Wisconsin

Fond du Lac County

54935

180 S. Macy St, Wisconsin

9209293390

County

Law Enforcement

http://www.fdlsheriff.com

95-25831

Oct 24, 1995

Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office

Brown

Blue

Blue

No

Oct 7, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP8083) and 12 other sources
James Ruland, a 40-year-old man from North Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, was last seen on October 24, 1995. At the time, James was in the process of moving from his residence in Ripon, Wisconsin, where he lived with a roommate, to Kiel, Wisconsin. He had recently purchased a new car and asked his parents, who lived in Florida, to send him $2,500 to cover expenses. His coworkers last saw him hitchhiking, but after failing to collect his paycheck and not contacting anyone, his family reported him missing on November 4, 1995.

On November 14, his white Dodge Aires station wagon was found abandoned at the Stretch Truck Stop in North Fond du Lac. The keys were still in the ignition, and all his personal belongings were in the car. There were troubling signs, including blood on one of the car's tires and cigars in the vehicle, although James did not smoke. Authorities suspected foul play but could not gather enough evidence to make any arrests.

James had a medical condition that required a shunt implant after a severe head injury, making his disappearance even more concerning. His roommate, Jerome Baier, was later convicted of forgery for cashing the check James received from his parents, but no charges related to James' disappearance were filed.

Despite searches and investigations, no significant leads have emerged in over two decades. James' case remains unsolved, and his family continues to offer a reward for any information that could help solve the mystery.
Last Seen: Oct 24, 1995

Links to Additional Sources (12)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • JAMES S. RULAND - NORTH FOND du LAC
  • North Fond du Lac man has been missing for 27 years - WBAY
  • Ripon man James Ruland cold case - Fond du Lac Reporter
  • James Ruland - Wisconsin Missing Persons Advocacy Inc's
  • James Ruland | Clearinghouse for Missing
  • Missing since 1995
  • It's been 26 years since disappearance of Fond du Lac County man
  • [XML] JAMES S. RULAND - NORTH FOND du LAC, WISCONSIN - FBI
  • James S. Ruland has been missing for 30 years today. He was last ...
  • WI- James S. Ruland, 40 ( head plate/shunt) Last seen hitch hiking ...
  • James Ruland missing since 1995 from Chilton, WI - Facebook
  • 388DMWI - James S. Ruland - Doe Network

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (2)

    Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

    75%Possible
    John Doe — Minneapolis, Minnesota
    UP124186 • Found Sep 25, 1995
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 30–45 vs 40
    Race 100%White
    Location 50%249 mi away
    TimingFound same day as last seen
    Height 84%5'10" vs 6'0"
    Weight 100%156 lb vs 160 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown
    75%Possible
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois - unidentified case UP11512
    John Doe — Chicago, Illinois
    UP11512 • Found May 2, 2013
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 45–60 vs 40 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 67%140 mi away
    TimingFound 18 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'11" vs 6'0"
    Weight 100%149 lb vs 160 lb
    Hair 100%Brown vs Brown

    These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

    Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.

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    Forum Posts (2)

    Has anyone else been diving into the details of James Ruland’s case? I find it so odd that the... ...Read More
    04/24/2024
    Hey everyone, I’ve been looking into James Ruland’s case from 1995, and something that's puzzling me... ...Read More
    10/11/2023

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