Jami Kapayou

TAMA-Jami Sue Kapayou, “Midattigea”, 65, of Tama, passed away Monday, March 31, 2025 at home surrounded by her family and under the care of Iowa River Hospice. A Traditional Wake will be held Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at the Fox Clan Ceremonial Building on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama. A Traditional Graveside Service will be held Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Meskwaki Cemetery on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama.

Jami was born on June 30, 1959, in Marshalltown, Iowa, the daughter of Roy Kapayou and Laura (Davenport) Kapayou.

She attended South Tama Schools.

Jami was a culture teacher at Meskwaki Settlement Schools for several years. She also worked at Meskwaki Bingo Hotel and Meskwaki Senior Services.

Her greatest joy was being with family. She enjoyed going to the casino, traveling with family, visiting friends, and her favorite was watching/cheering for the Green Bay Packers. In her younger years, she enjoyed playing basketball and softball.

Survivors include her children, Jessica Akeens, Kassi (Jon) Whitebreast, Keena Akeens, and Jacy (Leandra) Kapayou; grandchildren, Miya King, Jazmyne and JJ Roberts, Jariyah, Jadalynne, Judah Kapayou, KVN Whitebreast; great grandchildren, Jeanie Rae, Joziah G., and Jayla Roberts; sisters, Lynn (Gene) Morgan, Anita Kapayou, Roy Kapayou Jr., Kay (Tony) Waseskuk, Joey (Leslie) Kapayou, Winona Kapayou; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and adopted family.

Preceding her in death were her parents; sister, Carolyn Alamo; brother, Norbert Peters; grandma, Ada K. Oldbear; and grandpa, Harvey Davenport Sr.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo is assisting the family with the arrangements.