James J. Capra

Music is the divine way to tell beautiful, poetic things to the heart. A good groove releases adrenaline. It’s uplifting and centers you. It’s calming, powerful and energetic. It’s the heart of the music. All the world’s a stage and Jim filled it with his music. His arrangement was composed of patience, effort, determination, and consistency. James J. “Jimmy” Capra was outgoing, enjoyed the company of others, was eager about his performances, and shared his wisdom in percussion. Once music becomes part of your soul it becomes a spirit and never dies. Our Jimmy passed away after 75 choruses during the very early hours of Tuesday, May 7, 2024. We must remember the music of the past, so we can sing in the present and dance in the future.

Jim was born in Philadelphia and spent his formative years in Lindenwold. Early on as a young musician, Jimmy joined the junior Thunderbirds Drum & Bugle Corps in Clementon. His home had contributed to the manpower of our great nation. Jimmy faithfully served in the United States Marine Corps and performed in the drum and bugle corps. Jimmy was a member of and performed with the Archer Epler Musketeers in Upper Darby, The Reilly Raiders Drum & Bugle Corps in Willow Grove, and the Durning String Band in Gloucester. Jimmy spent over 10 years as a percussion instructor with the Gloucester City High School Band and made his career as a mail handler for the United States Postal Service in Bellmawr. Jim was a longtime Gloucester neighbor and spent his later years in the Villas. He was an avid bowler and vacationed cruising the seas.

Jimmy is the son of the late James V. and Caroline( nee Nitteouer) Capra. He is survived by his loving wife Patricia (nee Connell) and is the father of Wendy Capra, Timothy, and his wife Nicole Capra. Jim is the proud grandfather of Brody, Kaileigh, Marleigh, Finleigh and is the brother of William “Bill” & his wife Jane Capra. Jimmy is also survived and will be sadly missed by his in-laws Kathy & her husband Ralph, John & his wife Sherri and Maureen. 

Relatives, friends, neighbors, and mummers are invited to gather with the Capra family. We’ll come together in tribute and thanksgiving to celebrate a lifetime of music on Friday morning May 17th between 10:00 am and 11:30 am at Creran Celebration Etherington & Creran Funeral Homes 700 Powell St. Gloucester. A mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12 pm at St. Mary’s Church 426 Monmouth St. Gloucester. Mausoleum entombment will immediately follow at Locustwood Memorial Park, Cherry Hill. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Jim’s memory to a charity of the donor's choosing. 

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