Jonathan T Raup
Nov 23 1962 - Nov 23 2020
Jonathan was born in New Jersey on November 23rd, 1962. He grew up with an older brother (1958) and sister, Nancy (1960), who will be referenced throughout.
He saw the world for what it was, often spending time in the woods with dogs, and his art often depicted the world he admired for its beauty and faults. His creativity was endless; in his words and the doodles scattered on the envelopes of the letters to his sister, Nancy.
“He was too smart for school, and while that sounds odd, he thought beyond the subjects offered and the way they were presented.” (Nancy)
His family was worried about him; he was a “lost soul” due to his struggle with substance abuse early on. Despite his turmoil, he found art and poetry as a way to cope.
At Moorestown Friends, he met Jonathan Knowles, who became a significant figure in his life. He was very fond of him and mentored him through some very difficult times.
Many email conversations between Jonathan and J.Knowles were about life, philosophies, beliefs, Buddhism, and general advice.
Throughout his letters, you will see how he refers to really seeing people as people no matter who, what, or where they were. This was something he held to his whole life. It often upset him that people couldn't just be kind to one another. He was a deep thinker with a deep soul.
Jonathan dropped out of Moorestown Friends School (MFS) in 1980 and received his GED shortly after.
1983 - 85
Community College of Philadelphia
He attended Community College of Philadelphia until Sept 1985, majoring in Fine Arts; emphasis in oil painting and drawing studies. Published in CCP poetry contest magazine and won first and third place. Submitted again and won second place in 1985.
Excerpt from a handwritten letter to his older sister:
“A lot of people think I’m screwing up my life now - but I'm living. First winter I really lived [through], I can’t really explain it. But I felt it come and go and now I feel the spring coming on. Its incredible. I love living for the sake of living and I really feel good having [people] around to love ... That's what life is for, experience. Not money. Forget the brainwashing morals and go experience something, live something. It's great. Dam, it's been a while since I’ve talked to you there’s a lot to say and my hand is getting sore. I’ll continue later.”
- JTR to his sister, Nancy (c. 1981-1983)
Temple University
Jonathan later attended Temple University with a major in English, English Survey & History Courses. Sept 1985 - Jan 1986
Jonathan abruptly ended his studies in January of 1986.
More Soon.
He married his first wife at 25, divorced 6 years later. His family understood this divorce due to his relationship with alcohol.
He lived in Harrisonburg, VA during this time, from around ‘87 to ‘93.
A few years after the divorce, he made his own home, fully curated it himself, and spent much of his time creating more and more of his art and poetry.
This archive is a work in progress - there may be gaps in time or changes over time as we discover more.
Later officially moving to California in 1998.
Artwork from the early 1990s
Some artwork is undated, however presumed early 1990’s based on who had the artwork at the time.
Jonathan’s second marriage was in 1997, with their first daughter born in December of 2000 and second in July of 2002.
His second marriage lasted a few years, separated in 2005 and were divorced in 2007.
Nearing the end of this relationship, Jonathan was asked to leave the family. While hesitant, he left his two daughters with the determination of seeing them consistently.
Sebastopol was a second home for him. He met wonderful people, kind folks, who gave him a place to stay after leaving his home and helped him get back on his feet.
These friendships have lasted beyond his years, and his daughters maintain contact with them.
Jonathan continued staying with his older sister for some time after.
2013
Jonathan Knowles died, leaving him to handle his struggles on his own.
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