The Art of Remembering, Episode 3: James Hagerty

In this episode of The Art of Remembering, host Don Vanatta interviews James Hagerty, an obituary writer for The Wall Street Journal, about the art and importance of obituary writing. Hagerty discusses his approach to writing obituaries, emphasizing the inclusion of humor and personality to create engaging life stories rather than morbid summaries. He shares insights into how British obituaries influenced his work, the significance of capturing details beyond a resume-like recitation of accomplishments, and the value of individuals writing their own life stories to preserve memories and provide a gift to loved ones. Hagerty also touches on the challenges of interviewing family members who often present sanitized versions of the deceased's life, and he advocates for introspection and honesty in reflecting on one's own life.