James Thurman Caperton

James "Thurman" Caperton, age 94, died on March 6, 2023 after a brief illness. Thurman was known for his love of the outdoors, fishing, grilling ribs, and his inability to sit still for long. He loved spending time with family and friends and kept us all entertained with his colorful language and stories. When asked what his greatest accomplishment was in life, Thurman would say "my Catholic faith".Thurman was born July 13, 1928 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Robert Willis and Georgia Caperton.The family lived in a bungalow on NW 33rd and Ollie St. until Robert's untimely death when Thurman was 5 years old. Georgia's mother, Mahoo, moved in and together, the two strong-willed women (Georgia was known to carry a 25-caliber pearl-handled Derringer in her purse) raised Thurman. Thurman attended Bishop John Carroll Elementary and Harding Junior High. He caddied for $1.00 per 18-hole round for Georgia's boss, V.P. Crow, the founder of Crowe Dunlevy Law Firm, at the Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club. This provided Thurman free access to the course when the club was closed, contributing to his becoming a scratch golfer. He attended Classen High School, where in spite of being small in stature, he was an excellent athlete and especially fast, tying the state record for the 100 yard dash.After high school, Thurman joined the Navy in the last years of World War II. He was stationed at San Diego, California and Pensacola, Florida assisting in the war effort and playing golf and fishing in his spare time.He moved back to Oklahoma City, where he reconnected with his high school best friend, H.D. Stansbury. H.D. took Thurman to the family farm in Springer, Oklahoma, where Thurman first met H.D.'s lovely sister, Pauline. After wedding on March 18, 1955, Thurman and Pauline soon welcomed their two children, Rosalie in 1957 and Brent in 1958. Thurman worked in various sales positions that took advantage of his warm, engaging personality. The family moved to a rural neighborhood in Edmond in 1969. Thurman enjoyed many hours outside, clearing the lots and riding his lawn tractor to keep the property in top shape. The family spent virtually every weekend at the "Sunny Hours" cabin at Twin Lakes in Shawnee, where Thurman fished and hunted. Success meant fresh cooked fish, quail or rabbit for dinner; otherwise it was fried bologna sandwiches. The cabin was the hub of many gatherings, with lake neighbors. Memorial Day festivities at the cabin were especially beloved, with family and friends coming from many miles away. Thurman would slow cook his famous country-style pork ribs while Pauline was busy throughout the day preparing side dishes and being a wonderful hostess.In recent months, Thurman enjoyed spending time with his very special care provider, Chauntel Vincent. The two shared a connection that always lifted Thurman's spirits.¬¬Thurman was predeceased by his parents and his wives. He is survived by his children Rosalie Long (Tommy) and Brent Caperton (Debbie); his grandchildren Brian (Katie) and Julie Caperton and Cameron Long (Harrah) and two great-granddaughters, Olivia and Abigail Caperton; niece Jayne Knol (Gerald), great-nephews Trevor Knol (Kelly) and Drew Knol (Katie); three great-nephews, Logan Knol, Wyatt Knol and Tommy Knol; two great-great nieces, Lucy Knol and Evalyn Knol; as well as many other cherished family members and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St John the Baptist Catholic Church.A viewing will be held on March 16, 2023 from 10:00am – 5:00pm, followed by a vigil service at 6:00 pm at Smith & Kernke, 14624 N. May Ave, and a funeral Mass on March 17, 2023 at 10:00 am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 900 S. Littler, in Edmond, OK. Interment at Memorial Park Cemetery.