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Ira 'John' Rapson
IRA "JOHN" RAPSON
Iowa City
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, Calif., and led graduate classes during his doctoral studies at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Conn. He conducted The Johnson County Landmark (JCL) and established both B.A. 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 often could 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 premiere at The Englert Theatre on Oct. 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 and Addie, will miss him greatly. He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Ulysses Theodore Quinn.
Full obituary and donation information on the funeral home website at www.gayandciha.com.
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