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Ramon, “Jay”, (also- jayman), grew up in Savanna,
Illinois, on the banks of the Mississippi River, in NW Illinois.
This “old river town” nestles along the banks
of the Mississippi River, along with 300 ft tall limestone
bluffs in the Palisades State Park. As a boy, he was rich
in the local histories of: the early frontier, river boats,
steam locomotives, Native Americans, Mark Twain, and Abraham
Lincoln. Bald Eagles command the sky, along with Black Wing
Tipped Pelicans, and Red Tail Hawk. White Tailed deer and
Red Fox ran alongside wild turkey. “Old man River”
teems with game fish and beaver. Wood Ducks and Canadian
Geese ride the backwater shallows. “My journey started
young, my brother Fran, and I spent part of our childhood
with my grandmother, at her home, in a railroad car, next
to the tracks, our men folk all worked on the railroads,
and I am reminded of this, to keep me humble.”
After three tours in Vietnam as a “frogman”,
Riverboat Gunner and sniper,” he attended college
on the G.I. bill. Earning art degrees from: University of
Illinois, Southern Illinois University and a Masters degree
from Northern Colorado University. In his career as a teacher
he was also a wrestling coach, and retired from Freeport
High School’s Art Department in Freeport, Illinois.
During this time, he remained in the Navy Reserves, he was
a deep sea diver, trained dolphins, and participated with
the SEALS in the popular Chicago Air and Water Show. He
retiring as a Warrant officer with the NAVY SEAL Teams.
He has a rich history, in nature, and life’s experiences
to put into his work. The murals covered the: first Gulf
War, Freeport History, the Lincoln Douglas Debate, and Savanna
River History at Manny’s in Savanna. Twigs, grape
vines, pea pods-with black pearls, are hand wrought, or
cast in his silver jewelry. His numbered and signed bronze
and silver necklace fins, (idea of team- mate Danny Bachelor)
help support Naval Special Warfare scholarships. “My
UDT classmates and I are honored to be able to show our
appreciation with silver fins, given to the families of
our two Medal of Honor brother SEALS, who have given their
lives in the war on terrorism.”
-RJC.
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