John C. Kirby, son of a pioneer Santa Clara Valley Ranching Family passed away on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012. “Jack” was born to be a cowboy and he lived his life with pride.
His work ethic was second to none while his words were often few they spoke volumes about his character.
Jack was born in Madrone, CA on September 22, 1921. As a young man he was tutored and educated by his father, Tim Kirby, who was a highly regarded horseman. Jack put those lessons to work and they guided him through his life. Those lessons he applied during his World War II military service in the Pacific Region serving with the U. S. Army and training soldiers as a shooting instructor.
He married Edna Atkins on January 9, 1949 and started a partnership that lasted 63 years.
His working career began in San Jose, CA at Kaufman Feedlot. While there during the early 1950’s Jack met many leaders in the cattle industry. In 1955, opportunity knocked and he moved to Elk Grove, CA to help build a feedlot operation starting from the ground up for the Maita family.
As the construction evolved it brought out the best in his ingenuity and problem solving skills.
In 1968, Jack was contacted by Jack Schwabacher who he had known from his Kauffman Days in San Jose. It was the beginning of a working relationship that lasted over 43 years. Jack and his wife became heirs to another family that included Jackson, Susan and Gordon Schwabacher. This extended family was as important to them as the daily work required at the ranch.
Jack leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Edna. His sons Pat of Oakdale and Tim of Tres Pinos, daughter Shana (Gene Strohn) of Paicines and his beloved grandchildren, Blane and Blaire Strohn.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 16, 2012, at 11:00 A.M. in the chapel of Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Funeral Home, 870 San Benito St., Hollister. Graveside services and burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Friends may also visit at the funeral home on Sunday from Noon to 5:00 P.M.
Contributions to Cystic Fibrosis Research, Inc of Mountain View or the San Benito County Saddle Horse Association Museum are preferred.
Online condolences to www.grunnagle.com
John C. Kirby, September 22, 1921 – April 8, 2012
