I knew Jonathan through his brother, Peter. I attended WMU in the early 2000’s and Jonathan was a part of our circle of friends at the time. I spent a fair amount of time hanging out and playing music with him. His skill as a musician was remarkable then and I remember thinking that his abilities and his imagination would continue to grow to even greater heights. I was his roommate for a few months in 2004 and I fondly remember him as someone always down to chat about all things, from the mundane to the profound. He was a great thinker and a good listener. One of my favorite memories from back then is of an improvisational performance I did with him at an art show in Holland, MI. We were in a room with fantastic acoustics and his piano playing sounded otherworldly. I tried to keep up on guitar, but I found myself stopping at times just to listen to him in awe. My thoughts go out to all of the family and friends that are missing Jon right now.

Posted by John Loughead on September 11, 2021

Jonathan Chapman Cook It was with deep sorrow that we learned of our nephew/cousin Jonathan’s death. We have had the privilege to watch his musical talent develop from early on. When Jonathan and his mother spent a month here in Norway in 1996, he brought with him drum sticks and a recorder, but eventually he gravitated to our piano and when he returned to Michigan, he asked to begin piano lessons. He quickly learned the art of the piano and was on his way to making a career of this wonderful instrument. We were not often able to attend his recitals or concerts, but his parents sent us CDs for many of them which often contained his own beautiful compositions. I was there for his senior concert in 2008 in which he played among other beautiful pieces a rousing and brilliant rendition of the Mephisto Waltz, which a net commentator described as “conquering death in front of an audience.” Jonathan became a proficient pianist, but he also had a real urge to create his own music. I still have sheet music for two pieces written when he was only 14. And as a young boy, he entered and won several composition competitions, an early sign of his special talent. He has composed many enchanting pieces and the exercises he has created for his students are music in their own right. Those of us on Facebook have been able to witness his extraordinary improvisations – compositions on steroids - as he played for his father this past year. Jonathan returned to Norway in 2007. He played boccia and croquet (for the first time!), helped with the beekeeping, fished mackerel in the fjord, meditated on a mountain-top north of the Polar Circle, discussed politics, and hung out and gamed with his Norwegian cousins. We got to know the intelligent, well-read, reflective, curious, funny and enthusiastic young man he had become. We loved him and will miss him but are thankful for the gift and privilege it was to know him. Margaret, Bjørn Dag, Vegard, Kyrre, Sindre

Posted by Margaret Chapman on September 9, 2021

My heart is with you all in grief. I met Jonathan in Lexington at the local sushi restaurant shortly after he moved to town. I'm an introvert and generally don't meet new people easily, but Jonathan struck up a conversation and we ended up putting our contacts in each other's phones. Soon after that he started coming to our house to teach our young son piano. My daughter also started lessons and we followed him around to his various studios after he stopped doing house calls. I was always impressed with how he taught with such an individualized approach, meeting each student where they were. After he left Lexington we kept up with him through his virtual postings. It was always a special occasion when we would catch him playing live online! In April we chatted a bit on Instagram about an author, Clarissa Pinkola Estes, he was listening to on Audible. This past week I was so grateful to download the book he recommended and listen. Magically, we were talking about Jonathan at our family dinner the day he died. I had no idea that he had suffered a stroke, but for some reason he came into my mind at dinner. We remembered warmly the time he and Amira came for dinner at our new home. I feel exquisitely fortunate that Jonathan reached out to make a connection years ago at the sushi restaurant and again on Monday in my mind stream. He enriched our family beyond measure and we feel his loss deeply. I wish I could be there on Saturday, but am glad to be able to honor his extraordinary life through donations to the Kleinstuck Preserve and the Helen L. Fox Gospel Music Center. Our hearts are with all who knew and loved him, especially his family and Amira. Much love to each of you.

Posted by Laura SImpson on September 7, 2021

Jonathan was not only my son's piano teacher, but also mine. I had always wanted to go back to playing and after almost 30 years, Jonathan was the perfect teacher to get me started again. He was so patient as I struggled to remember notes and then unbelievably motivating transcribing a Thelonious Monk song to push me to play pieces I had always wanted to try. He was also incredibly inspirational for my son- figuring out ways to tap into his love for "DJ music" to teach him to play the piano. It was amazing to watch the love for music he helped inspire. We both miss him terribly and recognize how fortunate we were to have gotten the opportunity to learn from him; not just piano, but the lessons he taught us weekly that extended to our daily life experiences and that we will continue to carry.

Posted by Reshma Shah on September 7, 2021

Mary and Marc, I am so sorry to hear of your son's passing. Sounds like he was a wonderful man. God bless you all and RIP Jonathan

Posted by Vicki Johnson on September 5, 2021

I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Jonathan during his years in Lexington, Virginia. First through his music, and later though his friendship, I came to know Jonathan as a beautiful, sensitive, brave!, adventurous, complex soul. I don't think I have ever met anyone as sincere in all he did as Jonathan. He was truly one of a kind. I am heartbroken that he is gone so soon. He touched so many who will remember him with joy.

Posted by Marjorie Kasch on September 5, 2021

I met Jonathan in Lexington, VA when he played a piece with the Rockbridge Symphony. I remember how much fun this rehearsals were because of his enthusiasm and passion for the music. We only recently reconnected, and every conversation we had always left me smiling. I so wish we had more time with him. He was such a generous, sweet, optimistic friend.

Posted by Mavis on September 5, 2021

I studied alongside Jonathan at Western Michigan University, where he was a remarkably calm, temperate, spiritually connected, and overall beautifully unique soul. He played piano, organ, and sang for the University Chorale, wherein we had the pleasure to witness his gifts and his willingness to share them with his fellow students. We sang his compositions. They were nourishing. He thought deeply about the universe, about thought, about words, about the spirit, he was a young man curious and voracious. I still have a very small book about The Buddha that he lent and then ultimately gave me. I am sad we lost touch, and send my deepest condolences to those who love him. All of my love to you, Jonathan.

Posted by Justine Aronson on September 4, 2021

Mary and Mark, I am so sorry to hear this. Jonathan’s life was much too short though he accomplished so much. You must be so proud of him! My heart goes out to you and your family. You will surely be in my prayers and so many others.

Posted by Mary Jane Doerr on September 4, 2021

Words fail to express our love for Jonathan and our grief at this unexpected loss. We are praying for all of you.

Posted by Aunt Bernadette and Uncle Lucian on September 3, 2021

On behalf of my mother, Jill Christian, who so deeply loved and admired Jonathan, we extend our heartfelt loss over his passing. Jonathan’s creativity, humanity and compassion were his hallmarks. Jill loved teaching Jonathan and often remarked on his brilliance and tender heart. We are heartbroken at his departure from this world, and will often walk in Kleinstuck and listen to his compositions, and be inspired to live fully and exuberantly.

Posted by Sue Ellen Christian on September 3, 2021