James (Jim) W. Kapp, of Wooster, passed away March 13 while in Hospice LifeCare.
He was born May 4, 1940, in East Liverpool, Ohio, the son of Leland R. and Betty (Cash) Kapp. He graduated from East Liverpool High School, where he received the Bill Booth Award as the outstanding senior football player. He attended the College of Wooster and graduated in 1962, starting his coaching career at Willard (Ohio) High School.
He married the former Kathy Burgess in 1963. He then attended Eastern Michigan University where he earned a Master s Degree in School Administration in 1965. He accepted a position on the staff of Rochester (Mich.) High School where he coached football, track and basketball, serving as head coach for two seasons. In 1969, he took a job on the football coaching staff of Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Mich. He accepted the job as head coach at Michigan Tech in 1973, leading the team to an undefeated season in 1974. In 1981, he returned to the College of Wooster as head football coach, where he served until 1984.
He embarked on a new career in 1985, earning certification as a financial services registered representative. In this role, he faithfully served local clients in Wooster and Wayne County before retiring in 2003. Jim was a past president of the Houghton (Mich.) Rotary Club and volunteer and lay leader at First United Methodist Church (Hancock, Mich.). In Wooster, he was a longtime member of the Wooster Rotary Club, volunteer and leader at the Wooster United Methodist Church, and volunteer and chair of Meals Together. In 2010, he was inducted into the Michigan Tech Athletic Hall of Fame.
He is survived by Kathy, his wife of 55 years; sons Jim, Jr. (Shannon) and Jeff (Lisa); and five grandchildren: Emma, Sean, Jake, Katie and Moira. He is also survived by brother-in-law Roy (Joan) Burgess and nephew Lorin Burgess (Carolyn Ferrell).
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Karole.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to Meals Together 243 N. Market St. Wooster, Ohio 44691 or Wooster United Methodist Church 243 N. Market St. Wooster, Ohio 44691
A celebration of Jim s life will be held at Wooster United Methodist Church 243 N. Market St. Wooster, Ohio 44691 on Saturday, April 13th with a service at 11:00 am. The family will receive guests at the church prior to the service beginning at 10:00 am.
McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
Memorial Contributions
Meals Together 243 N. Market St. Wooster, Ohio 44691 or Wooster United Methodist Church 243 N. Market St. Wooster, Ohio 44691
Service
Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Wooster United Methodist Church 243 N. Market St. Wooster, Ohio 44691
Visitation
Saturday, April 13, 2019 10-11:00 a.m. at the Wooster United Methodist Church. 243 N. Market St. Wooster, Ohio 44691/p>
Buddy, teammate, fraternity brother. We had a great life together at Wooster and through the years. Miss you!
We will miss you whenever we come to Wooster. We are thankful that your pain is gone. We know you are in a better place. You were a great friend and frat brother and you have peace now.
My spiritual mentor , you will be greatly missed, but now you get to sing Majesty with the angelic choir
My heart felt sorrow out to Coach Kapp’s friends and family. My time at Michigan Tech University was a special time in my Life. Coach Kapp took me under his wing when I showed up for early camp in the fall of 1971. Played from 1971-1975 He was the offensive line coach then and taught us the scramble block. As a 5 feet nine inch offensive guard this allowed the small quick lineman to be competitive. I never forget when we were practicing you would hear coach Kapp “scramble till the cows come home or keep scrambling till your hear a splash”, which was the portage canal north of the practice field. Classic statements that make me smile even today. God Bless you Coach Kapp for your coaching and your belief in the little guy.
With great respect your friend and one of your students of the scramble block: Tom Van Wagner (pig pen)
To a truly, fun loving gentleman, also a man of faith and deeply caring of those less fortunate. A buddy of extreme kindness, may you rest in comfort, job well done ! JIM REDSLOB
My condolence to the Kapp family. Remembering Coach Kapps support of the Wooster Generals. Always in my thoughts.
I was fortunate to be able to play for Coach Kapp at MTU from 1972-1975. When I got to Houghton in August of 1972 I was intending to play center like I did in high school, but Coach Kapp had different ideas and told me he would make me great at tackle my first day on the practice field. Learning the scramble block, taking our reps in the cage, and on the sled with Coach Kapp providing a non-stop commentary as “Pigpen” described above made practice somewhat enjoyable. Winning football games because of our unique technique and innate intelligence on the “O” line was the big payoff! Thanks to the Kapp family for sharing your husband and father with us!
Thoughts and prayers to the Kapp family. We will truly miss Jim!
Jeff, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
We are sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed talking with Jim, and his smileling ,happy personality. praying for you, Sincerely, Carol, & Ruby Shrock, and Family
My sincere condolences to Coach Kapp’s family. His leadership of the team has helped me throughout my life with my approach to work and family. Thank you Coach. May God Bless You!
My deepest sympathy is extended to Kathy and the whole Kapp family. Jim was one of the kindest and most faithful men I’ve ever known. His service at Wooster United Methodist Church was much-appreciated, particularly his regular attendance at and leadership of Meals Together. His Children’s Messages were memorable and his support for Wolverine football undying. Thanks be to God for Jim Kapp!
I am sorry for the loss of Coach Kapp and send prayers to the whole Kapp family. I played for Coach Kapp from 1976 to 1979 and enjoyed his leadership and wisdom while we won and lost games. In the Spring of 1979 practice was delayed until the players removed all the ice with axes and shovels from the practice field, Coach Kapp and teammates were photographed in action and the photo was distributed nationally by United Press International.
Kathy and family, I worked with Jim at Miller Insurance in the early 90’s. He was a wonderful man and great friend. I enjoyed our talks and he was a great encourager to me. I am sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Kathy, Jim and Jeff
My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Many great memories at MTU including you guys as ball boys or roaming the sidelines.
Our undefeated season in 1974 which has not been duplicated. Sharing a photo op during his induction into the MTU Hall of Fame. Kathy it was a great blessing (thanks to Bob Metze) to share some time with you both a few years ago in your basement while we laughed about the photo op and other MTU football memories. Which included the famous Ray Elliott tapes he would play pre-game to inspire us and plant some seeds of faith. It was his faith that helped him run the last leg of his race and finish in victory with the Lord, undefeated!
Kathy, Jim and Jeff
Our thoughts are with you. Jim affected the lives of so many. He always cared about his football teams, but cared even more about the boys on them.
We have valued your friendship through the years – it even survived our kids giving yours chicken pox for Christmas
Coach Kapp gave me a chance to coach College Football at Michigan Tech in 1974-1975. We experienced two great years under Jims leadership and direction. He is the only head football coach at Tech that ever went undefeated. He will be remembered as a leader of men, a loving husband, an outstanding family man and a great friend.
Kathy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I will always rememyJim fondly.
Dear Kathy and family,
We send you our sympathy and love. We will never forget your lovely family and the joy of knowing you.
Kathy and family,
Just read of Jim’s passing and wanted you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Jim was one of the good guys. Treasure your memories!!
I just found out about Coach Kapp’s passing. My deepest sympathy for your loss. Coach Kapp was a great coach and I enjoyed playing for him from 74-77 including the undefeated season. Coach always called me Stringbean and I enjoy that memory to this day. Hoping that the Kapp family is comforted by all the great memories of his life. God Bless.
Dear Kathy, Jim Jr. & Jeff:
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing! I will never forget your family’s kindness, when you made me feel like a part of your family while at Michigan Tech! My loving condolences to you and the rest of your family on your tremendous loss! You are such a shining example of a loving family with a strong faith. May that strong base of love and faith, along with knowing that others are keeping you in thought and prayer, comfort you now. Love, Kelly Tamkun
So sorry we can’t be in attendence today. We’re still down in Fla. Have a beautiful memorial for a very special friend for many, many years. Remembering back those years in Rochester, Houghton, Boyne Mountain. Many fond memories for a friend who is GOING HOME TO REST. God Bless the Jim Kapp Family. Sincerely, Bill & Greta Gappy
Dear Kathy, I was very sad to hear about Jim. Our thoughts are with all of you. Karen and Ken Roth
Dear Mrs. Kapp, Jim, and Jeff:
I am so sorry to hear about your husband and Dad. Please accept my sincere condolences. I have many happy memories of all of you from playing football in your front yard, looking at football and baseball cards, and playing with your dog “Fumbles.”
Reminded of Coach Kapp watching a recent football game, I decided to Google him. Hence two years later, I am sending condolences to Kathy, and all who enjoyed his smile and enthusiasm. I cherish memories of characters Al Anderson, Tom VanWagner, his brother Jim, Sarge, Coach McDougall and a tribute to the family of athletes, and coaches that shared that wonderful time in our lives. Though I did not make the travel squad, I enjoyed showing up to better ourselves every day. One summer I painted Jim and Kathy’s house, and got to see first hand his great energy, their family life, and how he bounded out of the house each morning, excited about his many missions.