Sally Jane Cappon

Sally Jane Cappon

Sally Jane Cappon died peacefully in Santa Barbara, California, on November 23, 2025, at age 94. She was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She attended Carroll College in Waukesha, WI, and transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. She remained loyal to her Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers for her entire life.

Sally's first job was as a city reporter for the Waukesha Freeman. She also met Jim Cappon, her husband of 65 years. Their young family embarked on a four-year whirlwind tour of several Strategic Air Command bases in the western United States, including their favorite assignments at Altus, Oklahoma, and Roswell, New Mexico. Afterward, they moved to Satellite Beach, Florida, for the Apollo Space Program. Sally renewed her journalism career as a freelance writer covering a range of features and local sports in Florida. She also entered cooking contests, including three appearances as a finalist for the Pillsbury Bake-Off.

Following the closeout of the Apollo program, the family relocated to Santa Barbara, where they remained for the next 52 years. She attended First United Methodist Church and was deeply involved in school-based activities, supporting the PTA and sports programs. The latter evolved into Sally covering high school athletics, mainly football, throughout Santa Barbara County. This grew into a steady stream of freelance work with both local and national newspapers. She worked frequently with the Santa Barbara News-Press. Her regular features included Neighborhoods, Dart, and Cook of the Week. She also wrote for the Santa Maria Times and subsequently published her book, 100 Years, Santa Maria Style. Research, interviews, and exploration for these journalistic pursuits were a constant joy for Sally. She never fully retired from writing and continued until her passing.

Sally enjoyed spending time with friends and family, particularly her grandchildren, near and far. She enjoyed exploring the United States in her cherished Minnie Winnie motorhome, which took her to dozens of National Parks and Monuments. However, her home, alongside Maria Ygnacio Creek, always held special meaning, with family and friends attending barbecues on the patio. Sally treasured her lifelong and professional friends and kept in frequent contact with them.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Clara Sibbald; her husband, Jim; her brothers-in-law, Norb and Bill; and her sister-in-law, Karen. Sally is survived by her sons Jim (Janet), Jon (Kathy), and Chris (Alesia), grandchildren: Alex, Austin (Lauren), Kevin (Annie), Tyler, Jonathan, and Michael, and great-grandchildren: Violet, Quinn, and River; sister-in-law Marion, and numerous nephews, nieces, and their children.

Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church of Santa Barbara, 305 E. Anapamu St, on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a private burial at Goleta Cemetery.