Jonathan was a friend of mine.

Some great memories were made in the 1980's at Grant's Tomb where I ran an open mike. He sang there with the Boarding Party many times and the great songs and harmonies lifted the whole club up in song and carried us away to the Chesapeake Bay or the South Seas.

John and I shared a love of Japanese poetry, and I treasure a book of collected poems he gave me as a birthday present.
Years ago, (when I was brash and more than a little wild at times) I came to a Folklore Society halloween dance costumed as Rasputin, or the mad monk. I had teased my long hair out so that it stood straight up and painted my face white with black shadows, and I wore a robe and huge wooden cross around my neck.
I snuck up behind Jonathan, spun him around, slapped the cross against his chest and screamed REPENT! John eyes rolled up and his hair stood on end and he was struck dumb. When he recovered, moments later, he called some very interesting things.

He had a way with words. We argued often over obscure words and usage. He usually won.

If there's anything on the other side, Jonathan, I hope they have a road house piano where you can hit them with "Rolling and Tumbling", that'll let them know who's just got into town. Chance