Jeffrey Craig Kirkham, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Good Friday, April 3, 2026, in Roseville, California.
 
He was born February 15, 1953, to June Hodge Kirkham and Grant “Kirk” Kirkham in Washington DC. Jeff grew up in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
 
Jeff lived a life defined by faith, hard work, and greeting everyone with a smile.
 
As a young man, Jeff was always goal oriented and built a strong work ethic. He played the trumpet and the French Horn in the school orchestra. He was also the lead singer and organist for a rock and roll band called "The Pre-Dawn Millennium." Jeff was athletic and played football for the Walt Whitman High School JV team. In true Jeff fashion, he reached the rank of Eagle Scout and got his driver’s license on the same day. Determined to save money for college and his mission, he worked various summer jobs including working at People’s Drug Store, Safeway, construction at Sheraton Hotels, accounts payable at Marriott Corp., and mowing lawns for neighbors.
 
Jeffrey served as a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the England Southwest Mission. There, Jeff polished his teaching expertise and learned the true meaning of service and resilience.
 
A proud graduate of Brigham Young University, Jeffrey earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Marketing. He lived with a legendary “brotherhood” of roommates at The Parker House, where they would hold grand “family” councils to solve life’s problems, and would also perform in sketch shows like Saturday Night Live from Provo. He also sang and played his guitar in Concerts Impromptu on campus.  One of his most infamous college moments involved performing with his buddies in a version of The Nutcracker Suite in a tutu, leotard, and wig.  
 
While at BYU, Jeffrey met and wooed his future bride, Barbara Marble. He knew he had found “The One.” They were married in May of 1978 in the Oakland Temple, and set out to be joint adventurers for eternity.
 
Jeff spent his early working years in sales, working for Woodward & Lothrop, Weinstocks, and Xerox. Pharmaceutical Sales became his life’s career. Jeff was honored for his hard work, direct and to-the-point presentations, and many successes. Jeffrey was valued both in and out of the office as a person of integrity. He excelled in his field, and was the face of the Ciba-Geigy / Novartis company in the greater Sacramento region for a quarter of a century. Jeffrey was able to retire early and thoroughly enjoyed his new freedom to travel, work on family photos and history, serve in the temple, and have more time to be with his family.
 
Service to his church has been a central pillar in Jeff’s life. He truly loved being in the temple, seeing people’s joy, and serving others there. His favorite calling was being a Seminary Teacher and shaping the budding faith of future generations. 
 
Jeff was a bold adventurer, traveling to five of the seven continents. He loved seeing the wonders of the world, and now, many photos of these places fill the walls of his home. For Jeff, it was about making memories. He was an excellent guide for his children and friends at home and abroad. Jeff sought for the deeper meaning behind everything in life; particularly in his studies of the scriptures, history, and politics. He was never satisfied just knowing names and dates, he always needed to explore events and symbols. His ability to see how each of these topics connected to each other made him someone who could see “the why” behind each event. 
 
Jeff loved his family. He adored his wife, children, and grandchildren and valued making fun and lasting memories together. His warm and welcoming smile was cherished by all who knew him. 
 
Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, June and Grant Kirkham, and in-laws, Vern and Mary Marble. He is survived by six children and their spouses: Jennifer Smith (Stuart), Andy Kirkham (Rachael), Craig Kirkham, Sharlene Richards (JT), Matthew Kirkham, and Daniel Kirkham; and 8 grandchildren. He is also survived by his three siblings and their spouses: Bruce Kirkham (Elisabeth), Sandra Helmantoler (Michael), Linda Von Der Lohe (Scott), and their families.
 
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 AM, April 11, 2026, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 211 Estates Drive, Roseville, California.  Zoom will be available for those who can not attend in person.
 
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/95579159890
 
Flowers fade, but memories last forever. In lieu of arrangements, please take your family out for an adventure and cherish the time spent together.