Legacy Giving Honoring the Legacy of Gwen and Jules Knapp

A Lifetime of Accomplishments

From humble beginnings to building an impactful legacy, Jules Knapp’s journey was one of hard work and dedication. At the age of 10, he started working various jobs, from delivering newspapers to selling shoes. Following his service in the Army during the Korean War, Jules found himself in the paintbrush business, marking a turning point in his career. In 1962, he and his brother Fred co-founded United Coatings, Inc., a paint company that eventually became the largest private-label paint manufacturer in the U.S. Their success led to a significant merger, and in 1996, their company was acquired by Sherwin Williams.

Jules’ entrepreneurial spirit continued as he purchased Grisham Manufacturing in 2000, a steel-door maker, further contributing to his impressive business legacy. Alongside him was his partner in life and philanthropy, Gwen Knapp. Together, the Knapps embodied the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam – repairing the world. Through their commitment to tzedakah (giving to help others) and hands-on efforts, they made an incredible impact that resonates to this day. Gwen, a force in the charitable world, established and led various organizations, including the Lupus Foundation of Illinois.

Married for over 63 years, the Knapps raised four daughters, leaving a lasting legacy of family values and philanthropy. In recognition of their extraordinary contributions, a statue of Gwen and Jules Knapp stands proudly at the University of Chicago’s Center for Biomedical Discovery, a place they have generously supported through their philanthropy. This enduring symbol represents not only their commitment to education and biomedical research but also their enduring legacy of giving back to the community.

In 2021, Gwen and Jules Knapp left a meaningful legacy by bequeathing a substantial contribution to JELF. This generous gift helps deserving Jewish students pursue their degrees with significantly less debt and allows JELF to ensure the continued success of its loan program, impacting countless lives and further perpetuating the Knapps’ dedication to repairing the world through education.