James Samuel Capo, 79, of Beaumont, died Saturday, November 22, 2014. A native and lifelong resident of Beaumont, he was born on September 28, 1935, to Vivian Angelina Fertitta Capo and Sam Rosario Capo.

James attended St. Anthony Catholic School and graduated in 1953. He was a member of the National Guard and later attended Lamar College. After beginning his pursuit in grade school by writing love notes to her, he married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Sue Collins, on January 26, 1958.

While working for Texas Coffee Company and having other side jobs in the grocery business, he and Sam C. Parigi started J&S Enterprises selling hickory chips to local grocery stores and drive-ins. They later purchased Jim’s Quick Check, a drive-in grocery in Lumberton, Texas.

In November of 1972, James and Sam, along with Sam’s son, Sam Jr., took on a distributorship for Pepperidge Farm Foods and Brach’s Candy Products. Later he returned to Texas Coffee Company. In 1999, James retired from the Texas Coffee and worked again with Sam Parigi, Jr., at Parigi Property Management. Here is where he shaped the lives of many young men teaching them the value of hard work while laughing at his colorful language and gestures.

Later in life he began his hobby of buying and selling antique furniture. He also enjoyed going to car shows and showing off his 1946 Ford where he received many awards.

Although James spent much of his time working, family was most important to him. He was extremely proud of his Italian heritage which brought with it family traditions and honor. Sunday lunch referred to as “dinner” could be quite entertaining and guests were always welcomed. Missing Sunday dinner was not an option for his kids and began with homemade spaghetti and meatballs. Good food was never in short supply at the Capo’s house.

James is survived by his loving wife, Patsy; three children, James Samuel Capo, Jr.; Edward Rose Capo and his wife, Mary Anne Escamilla Capo, of Houston, and Elizabeth Angelina Capo Kutchback and her husband, Dr. James Kutchback, of The Woodlands; and grandchildren, Samuel Edward Capo, Wesley Charles Capo, James Collin Capo, and Jacob Samuel Kutchback.

A gathering of Mr. Capo’s family and friends will begin at 4:00 p.m., with his Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 25, 2014, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 26, 2014, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 6825 Gladys Avenue, Beaumont, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Monsignor Kelly High School, 5950 Kelly Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77707; Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas, 2780 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, Texas 77703; or to a charity of one’s choice.