Ira "John" Rapson

RAPSON

Posted By: Lisa Ciha (email)
Date: 7/26/2021 at 13:42:19

Ira “John” Rapson passed away peacefully on July 21, 2021.

He was a beloved member of the community – known widely for his love of jazz, John was a professor at the University of Iowa School of Music for 26 years. Prior to Iowa, John taught at his alma mater, Westmont College in Santa Barbara, CA and led graduate classes during his doctoral studies at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT. He conducted The Johnson County Landmark (JCL) and established both BA and Master’s degree programs in Jazz.

He was a committed and creative collaborator, bringing together diverse groups of musicians and artists throughout his career on numerous projects including his recent recording and production of Hot Tamale Louie. More than his accolades, John was known for his huge heart. He believed being a good friend was more important than being a good musician. He was a prolific composer and took particular joy in transcribing and orchestrating tunes. His kindness and generosity were felt in and out of the music school, and shared by all who were invited to join him for a cup of coffee on his porch or a meal around the table in his Iowa City home.

John was a life enthusiast, community-builder and storyteller - he had a way of making the mundane seem marvelous and delighting in the littlest things. He will be remembered as a devoted friend, a supportive husband, a dearest papa and a most attentive “Anpa.” He had a bottomless love for books and a profuse vocabulary with an affinity for reading aloud to anyone who would listen. He could often be found browsing the shelves at Prairie Lights Bookstore or taking up a conversation at The Goosetown Café bar. He loved everything local and would notoriously remind his audiences to support local establishments and tip their wait persons well!
His final recording project, Estaban, Children of the Sun was recorded in his daughter’s basement at Rose Hill weeks prior to his passing. It will premier at The Englert Theatre on October 3, 2021.

John’s wife Beth, their children, Sam (and Ole) Rapson, Hannah Rapson and Clara (and Ryan) Quinn, grandson Jacob and granddaughters Ida, Cecelia & Addie will miss him greatly. He is predeceased by his parents and his grandson Ulysses Theodore Quinn.

A time for family and friends to share, cherish and remember John with good music, good friends and good refreshments will be held on August 8th in the afternoon ‘Down By The River” (Exact details to be announced). In lieu of flowers, donations to Hot Tamale Louie Iowa City or HTLIC, checks mailed to Larew Law Office, online donation info available soon. Support your local establishments and tip you waitpersons well!"

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