Jo Ann Capling

Jo Ann Capling, 73 of Harbor Beach, Michigan, passed away on March 16, 2025 after a short battle with cancer. Born on November 30, 1951 to Joseph and Beatrice (Smalley) Capling in Harbor Beach. She is survived by her siblings Thomas Capling, Sam Capling (Jodi), Jayson Capling (Stacy) and Sandy Curtin (Phil). Nieces and nephews Molly, Abigail, Amelia, Cole, Nathan, Ethan and Beatrice Capling; Alexandra Todd (Michael), Haley Curtin and Riley Curtin; one great nephew Michael Thomas Todd, Jr. She is also survived by her many cousins, friends and countless students and athletes whose lives she was a part of during and after her career.
Jo Ann graduated from Harbor Beach High School in 1969. She attended Delta College where she played field hockey and basketball. She completed her education at Western Michigan University graduating in 1973 with a BA in Education.
Jo Ann began her teaching and coaching career at her alma mater in 1973. Over 25 years she amassed an impressive coaching record of 415-110 as the varsity girls' basketball coach. She was recognized in 1989 when she was named District, Regional, and State Coach of the Year, and was also nominated for the National High School Athletic Coaches' Association Coach of the Year. In 2000, Jo Ann was inducted into the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan Hall of Fame.
In addition to girls' basketball, Jo Ann coached the mens' varsity basketball team for several years. She also coached softball, volleyball and track and field.
Jo Ann was a natural athlete. She excelled at and was a fierce competitor in every sport that she played. An avid golfer, she was a member at Verona Hills Golf Club for many years and where she had five hole in ones. Jo Ann loved to play games, especially Euchre, Gin 13, Scrabble and Yahtzee. She loved to travel with friends, read, music, especially Motown and Jimmy Buffet and the NYT crossword puzzles.
A funeral mass will be held at Holy Name of Parish Catholic Church in Harbor Beach on August 16, 2025 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Harbor Beach Athletic Association in Jo Ann's memory.