Kean University Medallion Society Announces the Creation of the James J. Capone Jr. Memorial Scholarship
October 2, 2025
Professor
James J. Capone Jr.
The legacies that shape Kean University are often built quietly, through service, mentorship and the belief that education can transform lives. This past spring, the James J. Capone Jr. Memorial Scholarship was created in large part through the generous support of his family.
The scholarship honors the late professor by supporting undergraduate accounting students and celebrating his lifelong impact.
Professor Capone joined Kean in 1974 and quickly became a pillar of the academic community. As a founding member of the Accounting Department, he authored the program documents that established both the B.S. and M.S. in Accounting. Through his leadership as Chair of the Department of Management and later the Department of Accounting, he helped elevate Kean’s programs and shape generations of students. Beyond the classroom, he advanced opportunities for learning, strengthened the academic community through his published work on real estate law and served as Treasurer of the Kean Federation of Teachers, a position to which he was elected eight times. “My father made a lasting impact on the University by helping to found the accounting department long ago,” said Christopher Capone.
“He believed deeply in the importance of education and in creating something foundational, not just for the students he taught, but for every student who would come after,” added Capone Jr.’s wife, Annette.
Professor Capone graduated from Georgetown University, earned both a Juris Doctor and an MBA in accounting from Rutgers University, and began his career at Coopers and Lybrand, now PricewaterhouseCoopers. He later answered the call to military service, rising to the rank of captain in the 4th Squadron, 7th United States Cavalry Regiment.
He also devoted himself to public service through two terms on the Westfield Town Council and as president of the Westfield Memorial Library Board of Trustees. Above all, he was a dedicated husband of 51 years, father and grandfather to five grandchildren.
By establishing this scholarship, Professor Capone’s mission will live on and help others climb higher through education. Aspiring accountants will pursue their degrees with the same confidence and determination he instilled in his students throughout his 30-year career.
As each new generation benefits from this scholarship, they will do so in the spirit of James J. Capone Jr., a teacher, a mentor, a veteran and a visionary whose legacy continues to inspire every Cougar who dares to climb higher.