Riley James Kirk

Riley James Kirk began his journey in life on the 4th of July, 1962 in Tahlequah, OK, the son of Kelly Francis and Grace Elaine (Humphrey) Kirk. He grew up in the countryside of Cherokee County with his brother and four sisters. After graduating high school as a Tahlequah Tiger, he went on to attend Northeastern State University. A jack-of-all-trades, he held many professions over the years, including fencing, landscaping, and catering services. When he wasn’t working, he loved playing pool, often competing in pool tournaments, and earning many trophies. He was a "Trekkie" at heart, known by his friends and family as “Captain” for his love for Star Trek. Tough times were often tough, and his health developed challenges, he always found a way to appreciate the simple things in life, like out fishing at his favorite fishing hole, the love for his family and always seizing the opportunity to help others in need. On Monday, August 4, 2025, at his home in Sallisaw, OK, he was called to his eternal rest at the age of 63 years old. His memory lives on in the hearts of his friends and family.

He has gone on to join his parents, Kelly and Grace Kirk and one sister, Jalaina Kirk.

Those left to remember him include his daughter, Jaime Michele (Kirk) Robinson and husband Steve of St. Louis, MO, one brother, Barry Kirk and wife Marty of Marble City, OK, and three sisters, Kellie Payne and husband Steve of Sapulpa, OK, Vicki Gilstrap and husband Tom of Poolville, TX and Karla Hopkins and husband Buck of Park Hill, OK. He leaves nine nieces and nephews, Misty Chaser and husband Brad, Caleb Briggs and wife Angie, Jayna Gilstrap, Jared Gilstrap and wife Angie, Zandy Martin and husband Jeremy, Saray Swanson and husband John, Kelly Charles Kirk, Riley Hopkins and wife Tarai, and Braeden Hopkins and wife Ruth, as well as many great nieces, great nephews, cousins, numerous friends and loved ones.

Graveside services for Riley will be held Friday, August 8, 2025 at 2:00pm at Tahlequah City Cemetery Pavilion with his brother, Barry Kirk officiating and obituary reading by Pastor Stanley Smith.

Serving as pallbearers include Riley Hopkins, Braeden Hopkins, Jeremy Martin, and Caleb Briggs. Honorary pallbearers are Kelly Charles Kirk, Jared Gilstrap, John Swanson, and Brad Chaser.