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John Talbot Capps III

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John Talbot Capps III

Birth
Death
27 Jan 2022 (aged 80)
Burial
Burial Details Unknown Add to Map
Memorial ID
View Source
MEMORIAL SERVICE
Friday February 18, 2022 7:00 PM
First Presbyterian Church (Morehead City)
Obituary
Mr. Capps was graduate of Campbell University. Mr. Capps was owner of Capps Printing, Morehead City and Founder of the Bald Headed Men of America.

Mr. Capps proudly served our country in the United States Army and North Carolina National Guard.

Mr. Capps service to the community was active leadership roles with First Presbyterian Church, Hope Mission, Ocean Lodge 405, B.P.O.E Elks Lodge 1710, Rotary International, Charter President Rotary Club Morehead City-Noon, NC 4-H Honor Club, Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, First Baptist Church Breakfast Fellowship, The Salvation Army, NYC Ground Zero, Boys and Girls Club of Carteret County. Mr. Capps was the recipient of the NC Long Leaf Pine Award, the Pioneer Award in Polio eradication, Joseph R. Barwick Award Carteret Community College, The Rotary Foundation Meritorious Award, Service Above Self Award, and the Rotary
Distinguished Service Award.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday evening February 18, 7:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 1604 Arendell Street, Morehead City.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church 1604 Arendell Street,
Morehead City, NC or The Rotary Foundation Jane and John T. Capps Enthusiasm Endowment
Fund Gift ID # E12283, 14280 Collections Center Dr. Chicago, IL 60693
-
Rotary International legend John T. Capps dies at age 80
ELISE CLOUSER Jan 27, 2022 Updated Jan 28, 2022
MOREHEAD CITY — John T. Capps III, a well-known figure in the world of Rotary International, died Thursday at his home in Morehead City at the age of 80.

Born March 7, 1941, Mr. Capps was a long-time member of the Morehead City Rotary Club-Noon and gained worldwide recognition within Rotary International for his efforts in the club.

"John dedicated his life to Service above Self (the Rotary motto) and impacted thousands of lives," said Lee Dixon, a fellow Morehead City Rotarian. "Through Rotary, John traveled all over the world helping others and spreading his humor, wit and passion. He was a giant among men who cared for his fellow man."

According to Ken Morgan, a Chapel Hill Rotarian who has compiled a history of the organization in the state, Mr. Capps served as sergeant at arms for Rotary International conventions 30 times and was the chief sergeant at arms for Rotary International convention for then President Ray Klinginsmith.

Among his numerous rotary accolades, Mr. Capps was active with Rotary International in India where he would travel often with his wife, Jane. While there he was involved in the organization's efforts to eradicate polio, a special focus of Rotary International. This effort resulted in his recognition in 1994 with the Rotary International Service Award for a Polio Free World.

Other Rotary recognitions include the International Service Above Self Award in 1993, an award presented to no more than 50 Rotarians in any year. That same year he was also recognized with the Rotary Foundation Distinguished Service Award.

Mr. Capps was also well known for starting and holding the Bald-Headed Men of America convention for years in Morehead City, poking fun at himself but also helping fellow bald-headed men's self-esteem at a time when bald might not have been fashionable. The motto was "more head, less hair."

He also was regarded for helping homeless people, at one point letting a man who had camped near his print shop near the intersection of Bridges and Arendell streets stay inside the shop at night for an extended period of time.

Morehead City Noon Rotary honored the Cappses for a lifetime of service by creating a $25,000 Rotary Foundation endowment fund known as the Jane and John T. Capps "Enthusiasm" Endowment. The Morehead City club will use proceeds from the endowment each year to do "good in the world" and the local community, according to a news release issued at the time.

Along with the endowment, the town of Morehead City named May 11, 2021, John T. Capps Day, and Mayor Jerry Jones presented Mr. Capps with a symbolic key to the city.

To continue Mr. Capps' legacy, the Morehead City Noon Rotary will also honor someone every year with the John T. Capps Person of Enthusiasm Award, to be presented to an individual who has made a difference in the world and the community.

Another part of Mr. Capps' humanitarian contributions came through his involvement with The Salvation Army of Carteret County. He and Mrs. Capps served on boards and raised funds for the organization for many years. They could be seen serving meals following the county's numerous hurricanes, and they also traveled to other states to assist during national disasters.

"John Capps was just an amazing humanitarian who loved this community. He fought for us and worked relentlessly to make sure we got funds to finish our new building," Maj. Aaron Goldfarb with The Salvation Army in Morehead City said Friday.

A large 4-foot-by-10-foot plaque paying tribute to the Cappses sits inside The Salvation Army's new thrift store on Bridges Street.

"John was also a strong man of faith," Maj. Goldfarb continued. "During our visits with him over the last few months we gave him a plaque that said 'Hope.' We prayed with him often. He just made our community better."

Editor's note: This article was updated at 10:52 a.m. Friday, Jan. 28, 2022, with more information.

Reporters Brad Rich and Cheryl Burke contributed to this report.

Obituary
John T. Capps III, 80, of Morehead City, passed away on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at his home.
Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noebrooks.net

John T. became a "Rotarian" when a Rotary Youth Leadership Award Delegate asked, "Will you teach me how to tie a tie?" And again several years later after ten trips to south India for Polio Immunization and Polio Hospital visits. Anand with arms and legs about the size of one's index and forefinger would greet us with his penetrating eyes, arms outstretched to be touched, smiling and saying, "I knew you would Uncle John, thank you for returning to our Polio Hospital."

"We take ourselves too seriously," says John T. "Participating and sharing the humanitarian programs and projects of our clubs provide us some humor in order not to weep. I am not a great Rotarian; I just toil daily in the cornfields of life to bring thoughtfulness, a few laughs and sometimes tears of joy by serving others."

John T. was proposed for Rotary by his father in 1968. In 1981 he become Charter President of the Rotary Club of Morehead City-Noon and during 1985-86 served as District 7730 Governor in eastern North Carolina following in his father's and uncle's footsteps. He has participated in thirty-five Rotary International Conventions, featured on the cover of The Rotarian, May, 2011, served as Chief Sergeant-At-Arms for the 2005 Centennial and 2011 New Orleans Conventions. He has attended five sessions of the Council on Legislation. During 2013-15 serves as Membership Chairman for "Win One, Keep One Campaign."

He is married to Jane, a Honorary Rotary member, Past Chair of The Salvation Army Advisory Board, recipient of the William P. Booth Award. They are Major Donors and Benefactors of The Rotary Foundation.

He is the Author of "How To Survive Your Year As A Leader"! He is the Founder of Bald Headed Men of America and when he grows up, John T. says, "I want to make headway in life and You Can Too!

Affiliations
Salvation Army
Rotary International
Hope Mission Christian Ministries
Bald Headed Men of America
Content Copyright John T. Capps 2015
MEMORIAL SERVICE
Friday February 18, 2022 7:00 PM
First Presbyterian Church (Morehead City)
Obituary
Mr. Capps was graduate of Campbell University. Mr. Capps was owner of Capps Printing, Morehead City and Founder of the Bald Headed Men of America.

Mr. Capps proudly served our country in the United States Army and North Carolina National Guard.

Mr. Capps service to the community was active leadership roles with First Presbyterian Church, Hope Mission, Ocean Lodge 405, B.P.O.E Elks Lodge 1710, Rotary International, Charter President Rotary Club Morehead City-Noon, NC 4-H Honor Club, Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, First Baptist Church Breakfast Fellowship, The Salvation Army, NYC Ground Zero, Boys and Girls Club of Carteret County. Mr. Capps was the recipient of the NC Long Leaf Pine Award, the Pioneer Award in Polio eradication, Joseph R. Barwick Award Carteret Community College, The Rotary Foundation Meritorious Award, Service Above Self Award, and the Rotary
Distinguished Service Award.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday evening February 18, 7:00 PM at First Presbyterian Church, 1604 Arendell Street, Morehead City.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church 1604 Arendell Street,
Morehead City, NC or The Rotary Foundation Jane and John T. Capps Enthusiasm Endowment
Fund Gift ID # E12283, 14280 Collections Center Dr. Chicago, IL 60693
-
Rotary International legend John T. Capps dies at age 80
ELISE CLOUSER Jan 27, 2022 Updated Jan 28, 2022
MOREHEAD CITY — John T. Capps III, a well-known figure in the world of Rotary International, died Thursday at his home in Morehead City at the age of 80.

Born March 7, 1941, Mr. Capps was a long-time member of the Morehead City Rotary Club-Noon and gained worldwide recognition within Rotary International for his efforts in the club.

"John dedicated his life to Service above Self (the Rotary motto) and impacted thousands of lives," said Lee Dixon, a fellow Morehead City Rotarian. "Through Rotary, John traveled all over the world helping others and spreading his humor, wit and passion. He was a giant among men who cared for his fellow man."

According to Ken Morgan, a Chapel Hill Rotarian who has compiled a history of the organization in the state, Mr. Capps served as sergeant at arms for Rotary International conventions 30 times and was the chief sergeant at arms for Rotary International convention for then President Ray Klinginsmith.

Among his numerous rotary accolades, Mr. Capps was active with Rotary International in India where he would travel often with his wife, Jane. While there he was involved in the organization's efforts to eradicate polio, a special focus of Rotary International. This effort resulted in his recognition in 1994 with the Rotary International Service Award for a Polio Free World.

Other Rotary recognitions include the International Service Above Self Award in 1993, an award presented to no more than 50 Rotarians in any year. That same year he was also recognized with the Rotary Foundation Distinguished Service Award.

Mr. Capps was also well known for starting and holding the Bald-Headed Men of America convention for years in Morehead City, poking fun at himself but also helping fellow bald-headed men's self-esteem at a time when bald might not have been fashionable. The motto was "more head, less hair."

He also was regarded for helping homeless people, at one point letting a man who had camped near his print shop near the intersection of Bridges and Arendell streets stay inside the shop at night for an extended period of time.

Morehead City Noon Rotary honored the Cappses for a lifetime of service by creating a $25,000 Rotary Foundation endowment fund known as the Jane and John T. Capps "Enthusiasm" Endowment. The Morehead City club will use proceeds from the endowment each year to do "good in the world" and the local community, according to a news release issued at the time.

Along with the endowment, the town of Morehead City named May 11, 2021, John T. Capps Day, and Mayor Jerry Jones presented Mr. Capps with a symbolic key to the city.

To continue Mr. Capps' legacy, the Morehead City Noon Rotary will also honor someone every year with the John T. Capps Person of Enthusiasm Award, to be presented to an individual who has made a difference in the world and the community.

Another part of Mr. Capps' humanitarian contributions came through his involvement with The Salvation Army of Carteret County. He and Mrs. Capps served on boards and raised funds for the organization for many years. They could be seen serving meals following the county's numerous hurricanes, and they also traveled to other states to assist during national disasters.

"John Capps was just an amazing humanitarian who loved this community. He fought for us and worked relentlessly to make sure we got funds to finish our new building," Maj. Aaron Goldfarb with The Salvation Army in Morehead City said Friday.

A large 4-foot-by-10-foot plaque paying tribute to the Cappses sits inside The Salvation Army's new thrift store on Bridges Street.

"John was also a strong man of faith," Maj. Goldfarb continued. "During our visits with him over the last few months we gave him a plaque that said 'Hope.' We prayed with him often. He just made our community better."

Editor's note: This article was updated at 10:52 a.m. Friday, Jan. 28, 2022, with more information.

Reporters Brad Rich and Cheryl Burke contributed to this report.

Obituary
John T. Capps III, 80, of Morehead City, passed away on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at his home.
Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noebrooks.net

John T. became a "Rotarian" when a Rotary Youth Leadership Award Delegate asked, "Will you teach me how to tie a tie?" And again several years later after ten trips to south India for Polio Immunization and Polio Hospital visits. Anand with arms and legs about the size of one's index and forefinger would greet us with his penetrating eyes, arms outstretched to be touched, smiling and saying, "I knew you would Uncle John, thank you for returning to our Polio Hospital."

"We take ourselves too seriously," says John T. "Participating and sharing the humanitarian programs and projects of our clubs provide us some humor in order not to weep. I am not a great Rotarian; I just toil daily in the cornfields of life to bring thoughtfulness, a few laughs and sometimes tears of joy by serving others."

John T. was proposed for Rotary by his father in 1968. In 1981 he become Charter President of the Rotary Club of Morehead City-Noon and during 1985-86 served as District 7730 Governor in eastern North Carolina following in his father's and uncle's footsteps. He has participated in thirty-five Rotary International Conventions, featured on the cover of The Rotarian, May, 2011, served as Chief Sergeant-At-Arms for the 2005 Centennial and 2011 New Orleans Conventions. He has attended five sessions of the Council on Legislation. During 2013-15 serves as Membership Chairman for "Win One, Keep One Campaign."

He is married to Jane, a Honorary Rotary member, Past Chair of The Salvation Army Advisory Board, recipient of the William P. Booth Award. They are Major Donors and Benefactors of The Rotary Foundation.

He is the Author of "How To Survive Your Year As A Leader"! He is the Founder of Bald Headed Men of America and when he grows up, John T. says, "I want to make headway in life and You Can Too!

Affiliations
Salvation Army
Rotary International
Hope Mission Christian Ministries
Bald Headed Men of America
Content Copyright John T. Capps 2015


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