Jack Elias Capps
Jack Elias Capps, 94, of League City, Texas died at home on January 1, 2026. He was born September 3, 1931, in Conway, South Carolina to parents, the late Jesse and Blanche Capps.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carmen Capps, and four sisters, Hazel Burnett, Nancy Clark, Margaret McClendon, all of North Carolina, and Cindy Pitt of California.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jessie Capps, son Kris Shewmake (Denise) and six grandchildren, Michael Shewmake (Monica), Connor Miller (Jonathan), Christian Shewmake, Anna Shewmake, Ali Shewmake, and Steven Udo, and one great-granddaughter, Sofia Shewmake.
Jack joined the Air Force after High School until 1958 and then received an Industrial Engineer Degree from North Carolina State University. His first job was with Western Electric, and then with N.A.S.A. from 1963-1974 in Houston in the Energy Systems Division and the Power Division, then from1974-1986 at JSC-Downey Space Shuttle Program at Rockwell in Downey, California. After taking early retirement from N.A.S.A., Jack got a real estate license and began a “second career/hobby” in real estate, acquiring mobile home parks, storage facilities, and other properties.
Jack was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
His funeral service will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10:00 am at Crowder Funeral Home 1645 E. Main Street, League City, Texas 77573. Entombment will be at Forest Park East Cemetery in Webster Texas .
Jack is a firecracker and has always been an example of self-discipline, sacrifice, and devotion to others. I say is because I have no doubt that wherever he is now, he’s already setting the pace—staying on top of his food order, his exercise regimen, and his unmistakable zest for life.
I hope that someday I will live with the same energy, purpose, and integrity that he did every day. I’m thankful everyday to be lucky enough to be his granddaughter and to have existed in his orbit.
All my love to Jack and Jessie.
I first met Jack on Sept 7st 1963. The occasion that was when literally hundreds of newly hired NASA employees all gathered in scattered Houston officesites for the formal “swearing in” cermony, pledgeing to do our best effort to make this newly formed “NASA” engineering beat the Russians into space. And so we did it!!
Recalling that morning as if yesterday, we were all mostly strangers among strangers. I remenber looking around seeing Jack, all decked out in a 3 piece suite and coon-skin hat.(just teasing) . Anyway we saw eack other looking so walked to meet and doing so started made one on the best friendships possible. He was a few year older than me so had a slight jump on space design pratice but he soon had me on even ground.
Over the years we enjoyed many hours just talking and joking, and how to make money with good investments, something where Jack excelled. The two of us once had the need to attend same meetings in California so Jack suggested lets drive and pocket the airfare. We took his VW bug, had NO AC in july, and Jack made sure I paid for my half the fuel costs.
But that was Jack – as honorable a friend I was fortunate to know for much of my life.
Oh Another quirk. Jack tended to be tight Midway in his NASA carrier Jack decided to move to California so we took of a collection and got a brand new 20 dollar bill everyone signeds it then we had if casted in clear plastic as a goingaway gift knowing that it bothered him that it was nor earning interest
you will be missed
Bernie Rosenbaum