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Kirk Griffin Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Kirk Griffin
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Betty Barboni Bender
June 26, 2025
I remember Kirk from Aptos Jr High where he loved to tease me to see me blush, and again at Lowell. Kirk always made those of us who hung out with him smile. So very sad to hear of his passing.
Maria
January 17, 2024
I still think of him and the joy he brought never missed his performances when he came to Ft Laud and still have his scarves
Thank you for the memories your fan
Maria
Joanie
October 18, 2020
On Feb12 977 I attended my 1st and only Elvis concert at the Hollywood Sportatorium in Fort Lauderdale Fl. I was beyond ecstatic. So when I heard about this guy named Jesse King who thought he could sing like Elvis,I decided to go see him perform with the intention of proving no one could come close.......boy was wrong!! My Mom and I went on our mission and had THE BEST TIME EVER!!! Jesse (Kirk) and his band, Cobra , won us over immediately. Not only were they excellent musicians, but their respect and admiration for Elvis and his music were palpable. I became an Instant Jesse King fan. I attended as many shows as possible,and still have the scarves to prove it. KirkJesse) and Cobra (TY Don Rigby) aways welcomed us and often included us in a song(TY Michael Carey) . Now 40 some years later as I was taking a trip down memory lane, I learn that one of the nicest,most talented people I know is Up In Heaven. My heart breaks for his family. But please know that he touched so many hearts and it makes my heart smile when I think of "Jesse King" and Cobra. TY Kirk for all the good times, and of course... the scarves Love, Joanie
Joanie
October 18, 2020
On Feb12 977 I attended my 1st and only Elvis concert at the Hollywood Sportatorium in Fort Lauderdale Fl. I was beyond ecstatic. So when I heard about this guy named Jesse King who thought he could sing like Elvis,I decided to go see him perform with the intention of proving no one could come close.......boy was wrong!! My Mom and I went on our mission and had THE BEST TIME EVER!!! Jesse (Kirk) and his band, Cobra , won us over immediately. Not only were they excellent musicians, but their respect and admiration for Elvis and his music were palpable. I became an Instant Jesse King fan. I attended as many shows as possible,and still have the scarves to prove it. KirkJesse) and Cobra (TY Don Rigby) aways welcomed us and often included us in a song(TY Michael Carey) . Now 40 some years later as I was taking a trip down memory lane, I learn that one of the nicest,most talented people I know is Up In Heaven. My heart breaks for his family. But please know that he touched so many hearts and it makes my heart smile when I think of "Jesse King" and Cobra. TY Kirk for all the good times, and of course... the scarves Love, Joanie
September 23, 2020
I hold you tightly within my heart and there you will remain.
Cynthia
Cynthia
February 14, 2020
You come to me at night & walk through my dreams as if they belong to you. They do. If only I could dance with you once more.
Cynthia
December 25, 2019
Merry Christmas my Love. Sometimes I just close my eyes & hug you, even if it's only in my mind. I miss you & I love you so much.
Cynthia
September 15, 2019
My heart will never stop having conversations with you.
Miss you so.
Cynthia
Cynthia
August 7, 2019
"Happy Birthday " baby I've got you on my mind.
Celebrating you always & forever.
I love you.
Mermaid
Dan Neilson
June 5, 2019
I miss my old friend. Glad to see he kept making friends and sharing his talent with so many. Played music with Kirk in a band after high school then helped put the music together for the Jesse King show. I have not had so much fun working that hard since! He's not so far away! Maybe we'll rock together again.
August 9, 2018
Happy Birthday Kirk! Miss you so much...here's hoping you're hanging out with Dadddy!
Cynthia
August 7, 2018
"Happy Birthday" my heart. I dream of you every night & will until all days have ended. I always speak to you before I sleep, no matter if your ears aren't there to hear the words.
I love you,
Mermaid
Rose
July 13, 2018
Saw Kirk and his band perform, many times, at the Golden Rock nightclub, in Orlando. This was during the mid 1970's. He had great energy and seemed to always be enjoying himself. And yes, I still have one of those Jesse King scarves and a photo of myself being kissed by Kirk!!
Love!
Stephanie Sandelier
December 9, 2017
I saw Jessie perform in Gainesville Florida in the late 70's, As he through his scarf out to me (I am 4'7 1/2) a tall women grabbed the other end but my arm rolled like a plane propeller and and I still have it 42 years later. RIP Jessie,
Mermaid
September 15, 2017
I love you.
Cynthia Williams
August 6, 2017
"Happy Birthday" my Love.
It will always be hard to live without you.
You will always be the one I'm thinking of.
Loving you,
Cynthia August 7
December 23, 2016
"Merry Christmas" my sweet.
I miss every second.
Loving you,
Cynthia
September 15, 2016
The wonder of you will always make me smile. I miss you so much.
Loving you forever,
Cynthia
Janina Dowling
August 10, 2016
I also miss the fun times at the Junior Museum in San Francisco, when we would all get together and party. Dawn, I haven't forgotten you. Do you remember me, Janina? I used to be with the Keith, and Brian and Barbara crowd. I also went to Lowell with your Brother, and used to see him in the courtyards but, we all went on to different friends and studies. I didn't know you were both twins. New to me. Just remember, I had a new shag haircut and your brother really liked my hair.
Remembering!!!
Janina
Cynthia Williams
August 7, 2016
I love you.
I'm celebrating you today & always!
Cynthia
Dawn Griffin
August 6, 2016
Happy Birthday big brother! You would have been 60 today. Just wanted you to know your little "Irish twin" sister misses you every day. Sure wish you were still here, but I want to tell you, I love you with all my heart and I miss you. Hope you and Rich and all the grandparents are having a helluva party for the big 6-0! Love you, big brother!
June 3, 2016
My Heart,
Thirty-nine years ago today you walked into my life. For that, I will be forever grateful.
I miss you, I love you.
Mermaid
Cynthia Williams
February 14, 2016
Forever & always, you will be my love.
I love you,
Mermaid
mike hoffman
January 23, 2016
I seen this guy as elvis in fla back in 1977 great show r.i.p
January 1, 2016
Happy New Year, Kirkie! Miss you every day!
Cynthia Williams
December 31, 2015
I love you.
Dawn Griffin
December 25, 2015
Merry Christmas Kirkie! It's not the same without you! Live you miss you!
Dawn
Cynthia Williams
December 23, 2015
"Merry Christmas"to my sweetheart.
I love you & miss you so much.
Mermaid
Philip McCollum
December 4, 2015
Kirk/Jesse my dear friend,
Every word written in your obit is true and there's so much more.
It's so true that the minute Kirk showed up for ANYTHING--be it hanging in our hotel rooms; or when the band started playing his intro music: CC Rider. This I know first hand for I had the absolute pleasure of playing Bass Guitar and singing vocals in "Jesse's" backup band--Cobra. Most of the band members where California transplants from San Francisco, which meant Cobra's warmup tunes followed by Elvis's greatest hits and our genuine attempt to give our audiences "A Nostalgic Tribute to the King of Rock & Roll" was a type of entertainment that would most often fall flat anywhere in the SF Bay Area.
But in the South, years before Elvis's death and most certainly following his passing, THE SHOW WORKED! It worked like magic! Night after night, town after town, before thousands and thousands of packed nite clubs, dinner shows, and sometimes even big arenas. When Jesse walked on stage and began to sing, hundreds suddenly became mesmerized by his performance. His strong baritone voice, his infectious smile, and especially Jesse's mannerisms and movements--all somehow magically transported audiences to an early 70's Elvis Concert. Then, and by which I was astonished time and time again, witnessing Jesse surrounded by dozens and dozens of fans who were absolutely convinced he was Elvis incarnate! He never shunned or disappointed a single fan asking for an autograph, often signed onto a satin scarf Jesse wore in the show. It was surreal. But man, it felt great! And the shows were always sincere 'cause we were able to deliver that Southern "down home music", in the land where the King was born and where rock & roll was also conceived ...How could we NOT have the time of our lives, I ask? And it was all due to Kirk's/Jesse's talent and relentless positive attitude.
Kirk, those two years with you and the band will forever be a bright-shinny memory until it is time for me to, once again, join you. I believe in my heart of hearts it'll be a blast. Thanks buddy--I miss you. With love--The "California Kid"--Philip J. McCollum (5 years late) December 4, 2015.
September 15, 2015
My Love, My Life,
You will always be the song in my heart!
I miss you fiercely.
Cynthia
August 7, 2015
OH HAPPY DAY, I AM SMILING AT THAT LITTLE TASSY DEVIL, AND THINKING THAT PORKY PIG WILL BE MAKING PHONE CALLS IN HEAVEN.
TIA
Cynthia Williams
August 7, 2015
Some days I just sit and remember...
"Happy Birthday" my darling.
I love you & miss you so.
Cynthia
August 6, 2015
Kirk, I miss you every day! Hope you're rockin' it up there.....sure is lonely down here without you, my big brother!
Penny
August 4, 2015
To Kitk's parents and family. I am sorry for your loss and the rest of us who loved him. I just learned of his passing . He was my first love I was so very sad the night he told me he was going back to California, and he was sorry he couldn't take me with him. I will always love him. Thank you for raising such a great man. God Bless .
August 3, 2015
Oh Lordie what fun these days were. hope they are playing some Beach Boys tunes in heaven
Teresa
1974 The Line Up, 7th & Harrison, San Francisco
August 1, 2015
August 1, 2015
Cynthia Williams
October 19, 2014
We loved each other like there was no tomorrow, and then there wasn't. You are my heart and soul forever. Missing and loving you. Your Mermaid
Janina 2013
Janina Dowling
October 12, 2014
Kirk, you will be missed! I just remember the fun summer party we had with all of volunteers at the Junior Museum in the Twin Peaks -Castro Heights, during the pre-Lowell days. That is where we met you as I had met your sister Dawn earlier. What a fun group we had and the parties. We lost touch when we entered Lowell, even though I was there, we would just pass each other by in the hallways. Others things were more important. So sad to see you went before me, even though I had cancer and have survived. Will miss you always as a fun fun person in parties. Will always remember that summer party with Steve, Bibi, Brian, Keith, Dawn, and myself, Janina, and others too.
Cynthia Williams
September 15, 2014
My Love,
Where you used to be, there is a hole in the world, which I find myself constantly walking around in the daytime, & falling into at night. I love you & I miss you so much.
Forever, your Mermaid
Cynthia Williams
August 7, 2014
'Happy Birthday' my sweet sweet man.
I celebrate you today & always. Still I recall all the good times together, the love we shared, the fun & the laughter. All through the nights I see memories passing, the way you looked & the sound of your laughing.
The dreams we had-they lay broken in sorrow, our plans & all of our hopes for tomorrow. I long for the touch of your hand holding mine. I miss you & I wish you were here. Loving you always & forever. Your Mermaid xoxoxo
Cynthia Williams
July 16, 2014
My Dearest Love,
You are on my mind endlessly; here are some words of love for you. I know you hear me, feel me & know you are still in my every thought. Someday I will be there right next to you & we can watch the stars & big ole' moon together.
Our long distance relationship worked & was the best sort of beautiful. Remembering waiting months, crossing miles & oceans for a few short spectacular moments with you, the one I will always love, that is what I had always wanted & searched for. Thank God you came true. What about the night we cried because there wasn't any reason left to keep it all inside.
You know I can't wear that dress, it reminds me of us, your kitchen, me standing in tree pose hair tangled over my shoulders messy from your hands & you cutting birthday cake & laughing as you leaned in to kiss me.
I can still hear the sound of your footsteps tiptoe quietly up & down the hallway of my heart.
Most will never understand, why I was so romantic about you & still am. You never asked questions or begged for answers, I never had to prove myself to you; you were always there breathing, shining on me & listening. I miss you sorely like a moonless night or a bird that drops mid-flight, that's what my life has been like. You are whom I think of when the moon is up & the night is late & that will always be enough until we are together again.
I am on my knees praying that the strength of my ribcage can hold the chaos & melancholy for another night for tomorrow has promised to thunder an echo of your name that will remind me that no matter how long you have been gone, you are still with me through my deepest scars of mourn.
By the way, I'm wearing the smile you gave me.
Until…. I love you.
Teresa Ray-Campbell
April 27, 2014
always in my heart, never far from thoughts, Kirk will always be remembered for the laughter and the love.
October 20, 2011
Be well, by best friend & I'll catch ya on the next tour! I miss you terribly and think of you daily. Keep an eye out for your little sis! I love you
Dawn
October 6, 2011
My True Love, We will meet beyond the shore. Watch for me.
I love you & miss you so much.
The love of your life, forever, Mermaid.
Dawn Griffin
September 15, 2011
It's been a long, lonely year since you left us, Kirkie---you are forever in my heart. I wish I had my big brother here to comfort me and guide me, but I know you're with me every day! I love you and I miss you!
Cynthia Williams
August 24, 2011
My sweetest heart,
Oh how I long for you.
Every now & then
Soft as breath upon my skin
I feel you, come back again
And it's like, you haven't been
Gone a moment from my side
Like the tears were never cried
Like the hands of time
Were pulling you and me
And with all my heart, I'm sure
We're closer than we ever were, I don't have to hear or see
I've got all the proof I need
There are more than angels watching over me.
I believe your life goes on
It doesn't end here, when you're gone
Every soul is filled with light
It never ends, if I'm right
Our love can even reach, across
Eternity…
I believe forever you're a part of me
Forever in the heart of me
I will hold you even longer if I can because I believe.
When I think how soon we run out of time,
Lookin' back at what I've done in my time,
My accomplishments are few,
But for my days of loving you!
If I've never gone too far in this world,
When I might have made my mark in this world,
I had better things to do,
I had my days of loving you!
Oh to have just one yesterday,
Filled with love like yours!
Just knowing that you know you were
My dream come true, makes everyday worthwhile that,
I had loving you!
Never have I known anyone with more integrity, truth, courage & love than you.
Until....we are together again I will be loving you. Rest my darling, rest.
Mermaid
November 14, 2010
Dear family, I too was with Denise at lunch with friends from high school. I was so sadden to hear of Kirk's passing. I always have fond memories of high school, even though he was at Lowell and I at Lincoln, we shared many dances together with friends. As I read the many memories of his life, I find it very comforting to know that even though I did not know Kirk after the JC college years, people never change. He was a kind, loving person then and it seems he spent his life as that same kind loving man. God bless and I know his laughter remains in the hearts of those he touched. Nancy Burns-Kahl
Denise Koblick
November 13, 2010
Dearest family I just came from lunch with a group of high school friends and they shared the news of Kirk's passing. I was shocked by the news and my heart is still heavy with saddness knowing of the loss of such sweet soul. I knew Kirk best as yougester at Miraloma, Aptos, and high school. We lost touch shortly after Jr. College. I followed the "Jessie King" start-up for awhile but our roads took different directions. I only heard last year he had returned to S.F.. I had always intended to try find him, but alas one gets busy. This is a hard lesson learned. One thing I will always remember about Kirk was his sweetnes, and his willingness to love everyone. I know he loved his family. Though it had been many years since I have seen him I doubt that Miraloma boy really ever changed. May you be blessed with the comfort of your family and friends during this difficult time. Also, be comforted by the knowledge that he was loved and will also be miss by many.
Sincerly,
Denise Koblick
Steve Waddington
November 2, 2010
I just heard of Kirk's passing, and I am saddened and shocked! My heart and prayers go out to his family and friends. Although our careers took us in totally different directions, he and I had many lively conversations back in the day when he was known as "Jesse King and his band" and I was Vince Diamond of Cruis'n". He was a great guy, and although we shared management and agents at times, we never felt we competed...we were just two guys having fun. He and I had a similar sense of humor and we got along great! Then we both just moved in different directions...
God Bless You Kirk. Save a spot for me at the table.
Barbara Smith
October 8, 2010
My dear Sister, Garrett and Dawn,
I light this candle for Kirk with much love and a sad heart. I wish I could be there with all of you but you know I am there in spirit. I will miss his phone calls but have now assigned that task to you Dawn. Thank you to all of you that have left messages. You truly knew Kirk and they were greatly apprecited by me, his aunt. God Bless
Debbie Thompson Duit
October 4, 2010
Mr. and Mrs. Griffin,
Kirk stayed with my mom and dad and for a while my ex-husband and I here in Florida. He was as much a brother to me as my own brothers. He never missed calling me on a holiday and my birthday. This year I didn't hear from him on my birthday, September 14 and I now know why. He is in my heart and will always be in my fondest memories.
Debbie Thompson Duit
October 4, 2010
Mr. and Mrs. Griffin,
Kirk lived with my mom and dad and my ex-husband and I while he was in Florida, during the Jesse King tour days. He was as much a brother to me as my own brothers are. He never missed calling me on a holiday and my birthday. This year I didn't hear from him on my birthday.... September 14, and now I know why. I will miss him terribly as I'm sure we all will. He is in my heart and will always be in my fondest memories.
Becky Thompson
October 4, 2010
To The Family of Kirk Griffin: ;My sincerest condolences for the loss of your loved one. He was loved by so many people, My family included. He was like a son to the J.C. & Becky Thompson family. We loved him and will surely miss him so much.
Tom Riddle
October 4, 2010
I am very saddened to hear of Kirk's passing. As a classmate at Lowell High I will always remember his passion, energy and all around good nature. Godspeed Kirk.
Mike Carey
October 4, 2010
To the Griffin Family,
I don't know how to put this in words, my heart's breaking as I write this. I can't imagine what you are going through but you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I met Kirk when I joined his band in Florida in 1977. That time working with Kirk was three very important years in my life, filled with amazing memories. I left my home for the first time and three thousand miles away simply walked into another. He made everyone his best friend. We were like a family out there. It was like Kirk almost insisted on it. He was always laughing, always positive and always concerned of everyone else. No ego at all. He was incredibly serious about his work but never took himself seriously. Way back then, (heck, before electricity!) Jesse King was one of the three top Elvis Tribute acts in the country. We had quite a following. We'd get fan mail all the time...and he'd actually WRITE BACK! When fans came to the show, no matter where, he knew everyone's names. He had a great heart. I could see he touched a lot of people. I could see it in their eyes when he spoke to them. As I write this I see that maybe he had a bigger influence on me than I realized too. He was a fine example to learn from back then at my ripe old age of nineteen. I can only credit his family. You must be wonderful people because you raised such a beautiful person. I know you must be as proud of him as I am to have known him. We were best friends and I truly feel that I've lost a brother.
My love to the Griffin family,
Mike Carey
October 4, 2010
October 3, 2010
Fred Kronert
October 1, 2010
Kirk was one of my best friends and at times a brother. My life's favorite memories were of the years of being in a band together, they were all too short. He taught me how to Rock n Roll, laugh and enjoy life. Here it is nearly 30 years later. I did not realize how often I thought about Kirk till he died and I have to say "no, he is gone now". I am sad beyond words, but I am still smiling....because that is just how he made us all feel.
October 1, 2010
Ciao! Ol' Son. We'll join you soon after the last show. Break a leg!
Love,
Mom and Dad
Doug Ryan
September 30, 2010
Keep on rockin' in the other world, Kirk. We will never forget the fun at Lowell and the reunions!
dean correa
September 30, 2010
hi Kirk's family and parents,
I cannot believe I am writing this, my heart hurts for the loss of Kirk and the sorrow it brings to myself and your family. I shared some wonderful years with Kirk that were quite a moment for all of us, but I can definitely tell you they were made that much better by the star of our "moment", Kirk, being the person that he was. Never selfish, never unkind, never unloyal when many others would have acted differently. Though I have never met you Garrett and Carolyne, I can tell you with assurance how often and well he spoke of both of you, it was easy to tell how much Kirk loved his family. Recently in the last few years I was in touch with him again, and it was nice to see that Kirk had not changed, and be reminded of what it means to be a really good and kind human being...San Francisco has always been a better place with Kirk in it.
Love Beaner
Daniel Mairani DDS
September 30, 2010
So sorry for your loss. Kirk and I went to Lowell together. He WILL be missed by many.. very sad.. and too soon..
September 30, 2010
Garrett and Carolynne, I am so sorry to hear of Kirk's passing. I have fond memories of him performing as Jesse King at a school fund raiser I chaired here in Novato. May your memories of Kirk, family and friends help heal your hurt during this difficult time. Hugs...Joanne Wallace
James Scott
September 29, 2010
Garrett, sorry for your loss, I remember you as an upstanding brother fireman and a friend. Hope you get through this sorrow and I will keep you and yours in my prayers.
Jim Scott
Robert Bergeron
September 29, 2010
Dear Garret & Carolynne,
words cannot express my sadness at Kirks untimely death. As you already know I will miss the service because of a long planned trip to New Orleans with Cindy. Her life is difficult as usual and she is looking forward to it, I cannot cancel. I will be there with you in spirit. Bob Bergeron
Rhonda Ruhland-Summers
September 29, 2010
Dearest Dawn, I am so sorry to hear about Kirk. My thoughts are with you and your family. Love your old friend, Rhonda
Soulmates for eternity
Cynthia Williams
September 29, 2010
My darling, my heart, I am missing you with all my heart & soul. Until we meet again, loving you. Your Mermaid
Dawn Griffin
September 29, 2010
We miss you so much, Kirk--say Hi to Richie & Grandmas for me!
Dawnie
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