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John Carl Riggins

John Riggins Obituary

John Carl Riggins, 59, died on Aug. 30, 2007.

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Published by Mercury News on Aug. 31, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for John Riggins

30 Entries

Vanessa

September 20, 2019

So sad to see you past away. I was 16 when I first met you in 2006 and I worked at Subway. You were always so nice and sweet. You would come in around 7:00 P.M to use the restroom or buy something. Thank you for always being sweet and kind to the people in all Willow Glen.

Marck Riggins

October 29, 2009

This is Marck, John's middle brother. My heartfelt appreciation for all those who endeavored to put their thoughts into words on this page. I want to go back to summer of 77, where we spent most of it on a motorcycle going to Almaden res. and goin to Los Gatos parks playin frisbee. He, at that time wasn't just my brother, he was my friend. We spoke of global conditons, politics, women, music and the Lord Jesus Christ. When I came back to San Jose 2 1/2 years before our parents death, He looked after my 1 year old daughter, Bethany and she loved him (and he loved her). I miss him, and I'm so far from him now. My prayer is that he truly knew his Maker
before the end of this life. Thanks again for all hearts poured out.

Brian Gortner

September 17, 2009

I was reading the paper today at work and read an article about a man being convicted for murder of a homeless man 2 years ago.I may have not finished the article but my interest was peeked because it occurred in Willow Glen my past home until august 2007.Then I saw the name and location and I knew.I first met John in 1997 in front of the laundry mat at Minnesota and Bird where he used to hang out before Lincoln Ave.I had an ongoing relationship with him ever since.I often visited him at night on my bike or scooter and just talked with him and listened to his many stories of his family and military service.We often talked about religion as I am a proud atheist,but it was always respectful and enjoyable.As I now Know I talked to him just before he was killed.I told him I was moving in with my girlfriend in Sunnyvale but that I would come visit him.I made several passes through Lincoln Ave. by Le Boulanger since then, where he often was at night before going to his nighttime hideway.Sadly I now know why I did not see you.I miss you my friend and a piece of you and the many stories we shared throughout the years will live on with me.Your friend, Brian Gortner

Angie Walias

September 17, 2007

I am sorry that I never met you, but know that you touched the heart of my son who did. I'm sure you are at peace now, but hope you know how many people cared about you. Angie

Karen,Brandon Kahoush

September 12, 2007

God Bless you and rest in peace John. Although we never knew you in person, I'm sure you were loved and made a great impact on others in Willow Glen. You have made a great impact on me,as well as my son Brandon. I prayed for you today and hoped you made it to Heaven.
Rest in Peace

Karen,Brandon Kahoush
Willow Glen

Mark Jefferson

September 8, 2007

I missed your candle light vigil in Willow Glen but heard it was nice with bag pipper and about 60 or so holding candles. You deserve a big send off...and I have a candle burning for you at home. You are missed.

Elizabeth Smith

September 8, 2007

The people of Willow Glen mourn your loss and miss you. You are missed at Pete's, Le Boulanger, Pizza My Heart and riding down the street. This last weeek there's been fewer people at Pete's especially.The town isn't the same...and may you be at peace.

Mary Loughlin

September 8, 2007

Years ago I knew John's family, especially his mother at church. They had a big loving family and I send my best to all of them at this difficult time. I know John is at peace in heaven.

John Carl Riggins

September 6, 2007

Amy Riggins

September 6, 2007

I just want those of you out there to know that John does have a family that loved him very much. Though he chose the lifestyle that he lived, he was usually with his family for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am his sister-in-law and, unfortunately, did not get to spend alot of time with him, but can tell you that he was a wonderfully sweet and quiet man. I will never forget how good he was with the children. He will be greatly missed.

Catherine

September 4, 2007

John,
You were definitely a member of our Willow Glen community; and as a community we are devastated by the violence that took your life. Hope that you know that your presence touched the lives of many.

RoseMary Marquez

September 4, 2007

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

H. M.

September 4, 2007

I often chatted with you in front of Peet's; you loved Hibiscus iced tea, old cars, and had a brother in the area. You served in Vietnam in the Navy, and took pride in keeping yourself clean and tidy, though you mourned it was hard to find size 13 shoes. You broadened my world, John, and taught me a lot that you didn't intend to. I will miss you greatly.

Carlos B.

September 2, 2007

John,
I will remember a year and a half ago you had a flat tire in front of Pizza My Heart and I offered to help fix it. Being a bit proud you didn't accept, so I just lent you mile tools and patch kit. I'll never forgot that the next time I saw you; you gave me a CD as a gift. I still have that CD. Its always said to see another fellow bicylcist leave us.

Right now I am cycling through Quebec, Canada and just read the local news, via the net here. I was so sad to here the news. We will all miss you.

September 2, 2007

Hey, to the family, I actually have a recorded conversation with John Riggins, if you want it on a dvd for mat just call.My phone number is 408-204-2589.

He was a very pleasant man, definitly not a burden in the Willow glen area.

Anne Palmer

September 2, 2007

Please know that although I no longer live in San Jose, I was privileged to meet John last year when I was there. He was a wonderful person to know, and he will be missed by many of us.

The Nelson Family

September 2, 2007

To John's Family,
Please know that John made a differnce to many of us living in the Willow Glen area (we will miss him). He had a beautiful smile and always made the time to say "Hi" or have a conversation with someone... rare in this day and age.

judith steinmetz

September 1, 2007

This is one of those times when you think "why didn't I take the time to smile or make eye contact with you?" I will miss you, seeing your bike and you at Peets, Starbucks. I already miss you. Judy

Susan Price-Jang

September 1, 2007

I did not know Mr. Riggins' name, but I enjoyed often seeing him with his bike outside of Peet's coffee. He was a quiet man, frequently reading a book. He will be missed by his neighbors and fellow shoppers/strollers in Willow Glen. May he rest in peace.

Ron & Diana

September 1, 2007

May you find the peace, warmth, and knowledge that you have touched so many others. You will be missed. Wishing you all the blessings from our hearts

Brice

August 31, 2007

John, you were always there to give me and my son a warm smile on our bike rides through town. You were such a sweet, loving, and kind man evern though life here may not have always been kind to you. You never seemed discouraged and I know your faith has led you to a happy and peaceful place. You will be missed by everyone here in Willow Glen whose life you touched just by giving them a smile. We will find justice for you...May you rest in peace John-

BCY

The molina family

August 31, 2007

John, My husband and I were truly blessed to know you and always looked forward to you visiting us in the Subway Sandwich shop. I pray you are at peace with God.
The molina family

Roxann

August 31, 2007

John,

Thank You for being a good friend to my husband.... He misses not meeting you downtown everyday already! He always had a good time checking out the old cars with you. I told him we would all see you again some day....

alecia baker

August 31, 2007

John
You were the sweetest man in Willow Glen. You were kind to everyone you met and never asked for anything in return. I will miss you, Pizza My Heart will miss you, and everyone who has a heart in Willow Glen will miss you forever. It's odd driving down lincoln avenue and not seeing you at all. May you rest in peace and fly with the angels in heaven.
alecia baker

The Micahels Family

August 31, 2007

John,

Will be remembered for his kindness and gentle quality. We are saddened by his loss and hope he is at peace. We gave him his bicycle cart that he towed behind so easily regardless the load. He was constantly reading and often gave recommendations on books. He was a peaceful man and may he be at peace.

The Copus Family

August 31, 2007

We did not know Mr Riggins but feel the sorrow it has brought. We may not know if he had any family, but everyone has someone who will miss them when they leave. Known to them or not.

K Amar

August 31, 2007

There are some people who you meet, touch your life, and you will remember them forever. John, you were one of those people. I will miss you.

Elaine La Beau

August 31, 2007

I have only lived in Willow Glen a little over a year. I saw you outside of Peet's many times. I don't know why anyone would harm a gentle soul like you, but I know that God has you with Him now and you are finally at peace. God bless you.

Bob Fernandez

August 31, 2007

John,
I didn't know you but I hope you are at rest in a better life. My thought's go out to all the people who's lives you touched.
May you rest in peace.
Bob

Christine Lozano

August 31, 2007

John,
I will miss you dearly. I loved having conversations with you about anything & everything. You were a kind & gentle soul & a great friend. Willow Glen will never be the same without you. May you rest in peace in heaven now & forever! There will always be a place for you in my heart. With much love, Christine

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