DEACON JAMES MICHAEL KAPSIAK “JIM,” was born November 12, 1944, in Buffalo, New York, to the late Ida and James Bell. After the death of his father, his mother married Stan Kapsiak.
Jim attended Holy Angels School in Buffalo, New York. During his high school years, his family relocated to California, where he attended and graduated from Camden High School in San Jose, California, where he was a top-ranked athlete in Track and Field, garnering numerous awards during his tenure. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University and his Master of Science degree from the University of Buffalo. He later earned an A+ certification II & III in Computer Science from Erie Community College in Buffalo, New York.
After graduating from the University at Buffalo, Jim became a teacher at Emerson Vocational High School, where he taught for 33 years until his retirement in 2001. During his time at Emerson Vocational High School, he taught both Physical Education and Health. In the later years of his career, Jim became a teacher of Computer Technology. He coached various sports at Emerson Vocational High School and was especially proud of his girls basketball team. He also worked as a Technology Integration Specialist, distributing and teaching Buffalo Public School teachers on the use of laptops. He also had the honor of continuing to teach technology at the Buffalo Teacher Center. Jim also served as Systems Analyst for Alternative Information Systems (A.I.S.), as well as teaching Computers For Kids. Jim specialized in teaching the Palm Pilot to teachers in the Buffalo Public Schools and the community. Jim also served proudly as a teacher representative for the Buffalo Teachers Federation Union.
Jim served on the Shea’s Spotlight Committee and received the 2011 Civic Award for his outstanding years of service. Jim received awards for outstanding teacher of Microsoft Office and the Buffalo Teachers Federation award. He was a member of the Erie County Democratic Committee and worked with the Erie County Voter Registration office.
On April 8, 1995, Jim married the love of his life, Mary Ruth Morrow, and spent the next 30-plus years creating beautiful memories and sharing a once-in-a-lifetime love. Having professed Christ at an early age, upon his blissful union to his loving wife, he joined and became an active and dedicated member of St. John Baptist Church. He served in the Pastoral Support Ministry, in the Trustee Ministry, as a church greeter, and was an ordained Deacon. He was very instrumental in helping members of his church and community learn how to use computers and technology. Jim also enjoyed golfing with his wife and close friends as well as participating in several Golf Tournaments. While fishing with his best friend, Charlie SanGeorge, in Quebec, he proudly snagged a 27-pound Northern Pike. Jim was an avid lover of all sports, and he especially loved the Buffalo Bills.
Jim is preceded in death by his mother, Ida Kapsiak, his father, James Bell, and his grandson, Gavin. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Elder Mary Ruth, daughter, Dr. Jennifer, and son, Bradford; grandsons, Noah, Aiden, and Blake; brother, David Kapsiak, Oakland, California: stepfather, Stan Kapsiak, Webster, New York; sister-in-laws, Mattie Worthy (the late Leroy Worthy) and Delores DeBreaux (the late Robert DeBreaux) both of Buffalo, NY and brother-in-law; “Coach” James E. Morrow (the late Leona Boatwright) Boligee, AL; long time best friend Charlie SanGeorge; god-father to Matthew Terrance Smith, East Amherst, NY, Lydia Smith Hordges, Austell, GA., Christopher John Gibson, Buffalo, NY, Mieko Cromer, Atlanta, GA. and Lovell Pompey Jr., Buffalo, NY as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and special pets, King and Prince.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 11, 2025, 6 PM 8 PM, at St. John Baptist Church, where the family will receive friends on Saturday, July 12, 2025, 10 AM. Funeral to follow at 11 AM.
