Dr. John Colin Capehart passed away on April 12, 2025, at his home in Winchester, Virginia.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1941, he was the son of Albert C. and Ann Capehart. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1960 and Randolph-Macon College the same year, where he majored in political science and served as president of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. A talented athlete, he played football and earned all-conference and all-state honors at the Division III level.

On August 15, 1964, he married Jane Showker of Craigsville, Virginia, a Mary Washington College graduate. They moved to Winchester, where both began teaching—John at John Handley High School and Jane at Virginia Avenue Elementary. He coached football and track and was named an Outstanding Young Educator in 1967.

After earning a master’s degree in 1968 and a Doctorate of Education from the University of Virginia in 1977, John rose through the ranks of Winchester Public Schools. He served as Director of Instruction, Assistant Superintendent, and then Superintendent from 1979 until his retirement in 1991. He was active in statewide education leadership and chaired the Region IV Superintendents Group.
In retirement, he directed the Business-Education Council for the Winchester-Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, fostering partnerships between schools and local businesses. In 1998, he founded a financial services business, advising clients on retirement planning.

Dr. Capehart was a devoted member of Braddock Street United Methodist Church, where he served on the administrative board, chaired the building committee, and participated in the Staff Parish Committee. He was also a dedicated member of the Oglesby Sunday School class, where he occasionally taught, and had a strong affection for the members of that class.

A leader in civic life, he served on the Winchester Rotary Club board and was president in 1985–86. He was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow, led the United Way, and helped found Kids Are Our Concern and the Frederick County Youth Development Center. He also served on several local advisory boards and received the Lord Fairfax Community College Medallion Service Award.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jane Capehart; son Scott Capehart and his wife Sigal; brother Al Capehart and his wife CR; sister Scottie Capehart and her partner Janet; sister-in-law Eve Capehart; daughter Kelly Briner and her husband Tom; grandchildren Lauren, Sarah, and Lavran; and great grandchildren Luke, Lila, and Evelyn.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Braddock Street United Methodist Church on April 24th at 11am followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Braddock Street UMC, Our Health, or the William and Henry Evans Home.