Ira John Rapson, III (born February 4, 1953, Gary, Indiana) is an American jazz trombonist and educator. Rapson began on piano at age five before switching to trombone. He studied at Westmont College, graduating in 1976, then took his MA in composition at California State University. Rapson taught at Westmont from 1980 to 1990, concurrently playing in Los Angeles with Vinny Golia (1979–1990). He also worked with Tim Berne (1980, 1986), Walter Thompson (1980), Bobby Bradford (1986–1990), and John Carter (1988–1990). He has worked extensively as a leader with noted West Coast jazz players. His sextet, active from 1982–1985, included Golia, Wayne Peet, Alex Cline, and ; his octet, active from 1985–1990, had Golia, Cline, Ken Filiano, John Fumo, Kim Richmond or Steve Fowler, and as members. H