James Clyde & Patsie Swain Caperton Legacy Scholarship Endowment

Patsie Jean Swain was born in 1929 on her maternal grandparents’ farm outside of Commerce, Texas. She grew up in Van, Texas. She attended Texas A&M Commerce when it was known as East Texas State University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1948 and received her Master’s in English in 1949. She also minored in music, and played in various swing bands to supplement her college tuition. She was active in the Baptist Student Union.

James Clyde Caperton was born in Delta County, Texas and grew up in Commerce. He also attended East Texas State and obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry in 1948 and a Master’s in Education in 1950. Jay left Commerce High School at 17, lying about his age so he could join the Army Air Corp and fight in WWII. He was a tail-gunner on a B-26 in the 391st Bomber Group and saw action in the European Theater. Jay survived being shot down twice, parachuting the second time into enemy territory in Germany. He returned from the war to attend East Texas State on the GI bill.

Jay and Pat met as college students and married in 1948. They settled in Lake Jackson, Texas in 1951 and begin teaching in the Brazosport Independent School District. Pat taught various grades in elementary school, although first and fourth were always her favorites. Jay taught junior high science and then became an assistant principal, science supervisor, and curriculum director. He received several National Science Foundation study grants, one of which landed him at the University of Texas on the day of the infamous Whitman shootings. He survived the gunfire and lived to teach another day.

Patsie eventually left teaching after the birth of their third child to become a full-time mother. However, she remained very active in the education process. She was often the designated “room-mother” for her children’s’ classes, and she was a long-standing member of the PTA. James retired in 1989, and both were active in the Brazosport Association of Retired Teachers. Pat passed away in 2003 and James in 2013.

This scholarship was established in their honor by their three children: Patricia Caperton Parent; Candice Caperton; and Eric Caperton. Patricia received her Bachelors of Science in Education and Master’s in Political Science from Texas State University. She earned her Doctorate in Government from the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Parent teaches political science at Texas State University.

Candice Caperton received her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Jurisprudence from Texas Tech University in Lubbock. She practices law in Southlake, Texas. Eric Caperton studied Journalism at Texas State University and lives in Frisco, Colorado where he is employed by Vail Resorts, Inc.

This scholarship honors and continues a family legacy that begin in the early 1900’s. Extended family members who were also students include:
• Bessie Lanthrip Swain. Mother of Patsie, she majored in education circa 1920 and also played basketball for the University.
• Pauline Lanthrip. Patsie’s aunt, who passed away while still a student.
• James W. Lanthrip. Patsie’s uncle. Bachelor of Arts 1930. Masters of Arts 1942.
• James Monroe Lanthrip. Patsie’s cousin.
• Billie Lee Swain. Patsie’s brother. Bachelor’s in Music 1947. He lives in Freeport, Texas.
• Billie Caperton Cowan. James’ sister. Bachelor’s in Education circa 1950.