Arthur Michael Kakalow

Celebrating the Life of Arthur “Art” Kakalow – A True Original 

Arthur Michael Kakalow passed away peacefully at home on April 24, 2025, at the age of 82. Art lived boldly, laughed often, and left a legacy of stories, love, and unforgettable haircuts.

Born to Michael and Pauline (Nee Kypreos) Kakalow in New Haven, Connecticut on July 20, 1942—mere minutes after his twin brother Jim—Art came into the world already part of a team. The Kakalow twins were the oldest of six boy cousins, growing up in a bustling Greek Orthodox household where Greek was his first language, and YaYa and Papou ruled the roost while their dad served in the Navy during WWII. 

At age 10, Art’s family relocated to Bell Gardens, California. The “civilized” East Coast boys showed up to school in pressed slacks and button-ups, which quickly earned them a few scrapes and a wardrobe intervention from the principal. Soon outfitted in jeans and t-shirts, Art adjusted just fine—wrestling his way through high school (literally) and earning the title of “Outstanding Wrestler,” all while going to barber college six days a week. 

He graduated from Earl Warren High School in 1961 and jumped straight into adulthood. After a brief try at college, Art realized he’d rather work with his hands and make money—and that he did. He bought his first boat at 19 and never looked back, beginning a lifelong love affair with the water. 

He met the lovely Margie Suess at a soda fountain (because of course he did—it was the '60s), and they married in 1966. After touring the state of Oregon, they found their way to the Rogue Valley, where they were active members at St. Anne Catholic Church and met many lifelong friends. In 1974, his pride and joy, Sherrie was born, and Art became the kind of dad who brought his kid everywhere—hardware store, camping trips, snowmobile rides, water ski outings—you name it. 

Art was a man of many hats. Mechanic, plumber, pest control guy, house-flipper (before it was trendy), beloved landlord, and full-time barber. He owned and ran Art’s Southside Barbershop in Grants Pass for 40 years, turning haircuts into hangouts and customers into close friends. His shop was a local institution, first on 7th & G, then 6th & K, filled daily with laughs, debates, and the occasional tall tale.

In 2003, Art met Jackie, the love of his golden years. They married in 2008 and built a beautiful life filled with outdoor adventures, grandkids, and a retirement dream house they brought to life. Through Jackie, Art gained two stepdaughters, Rachel and Rosie. He eventually welcomed two sons-in-law into the family, Jake (Sherrie) Rockwell and Ty (Rachel) Murdock—plus four beloved grandchildren: Jayden (19), Ethan (14), Jaxon (13), and Lucille (7). His granddaughter always loved doting on her Papa, and he was his grandsons’ biggest fan, showing up to many ball games, golf tournaments, and his favorite, wrestling matches, often with coaching tips and an encouraging grin.

Family meant everything to Art. After his mother passed, his father moved into his home and accompanied him at the barbershop nearly every day for over 20 years. His friends were like family too, and the memories they made—especially those on snowmobiles and on the lake—are legendary. Just a month before he passed, Art went on one last epic snowmobile ride with his tight-knit crew; Don Senter, Joe Senter, Robert Krug, George Jones, Sallie Reggiani, and of course his wife, Jackie. 

Art was kind, compassionate, fun-loving, and tough. He lifted weights into his 80s, slalom water-skied on his 78th birthday, and wakeboarded until he was 80—because, of course he did. He lived life fully and on his own terms, with curiosity, heart, and a wild streak that never faded. 

Art was preceded in death by his parents Pauline and Mike Kakalow, twin brother Jim (Ingrid) Kakalow, cousin Mike Kakalow, and niece-in-law Alison Kaklow. He is survived by his wife Jackie, daughter Sherrie (Jake) Rockwell, stepdaughters Rachel (Ty) Murdock, and Rosie Tomlin; grandchildren, Ethan Rockwell, Jayden and Jaxon Murdock, and Lucille Caldwell; his nieces Kristi (Mike) Buxton and Kimberly Kakalow, and nephew Kevin Kakalow; brother-in-law Bill (Janette) Huffman; cousins Jim Kakalow, Nick Poulmas, and John (Marie) Poulmas; great-nieces and nephews Emma and Colin Buxton and Lexi Kakalow and Greyson Kakalow. 

Art leaves behind a life worth celebrating and a spirit that will never fade.

Please join us to honor Art’s memory at a Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 31st 12:00-3:00pm at Hummingbird Estate, located at 1677 Old Stage Rd, Central Point, OR. Bring your stories, your laughs, and maybe even your best barbershop tale.