The Jazz Funeral of Kerwin James & Other Funeral Options – 4/9/2008

April 9, 2008 in Documentary, Film, Interviews, Music, Religion, Social Issues, Television, Videos, YouTube
Tags: death, family, family burial, final preparations, funeral, funeral alternatives, funeral home, funeral options, home based funeral, jazz, jazz funeral, Kerwin James, new orleans, tuba, undertaker

I have been meaning to post this for quite sometime.  This is in my mind a grand send-off of New Orleans Tuba player Kerwin James.  Some might initially take offense, but apparently this is considered a very tradition N.O. funeral.  What a celebration of life.  According to one YouTube poster the name of the musical piece is a hymn called, “Just A Closer Walk With Thee.”  From October 2007.

It has also got me to thinking about a recent death in the family in which, in my mind, do not think we had enough time to say good-bye (i.e. a maximum of 4 hours viewing time and suppressing our emotions to avoid embarrassment to boot).  I was perusing Netflix and found this documentary about home-based funerals and burial.  That is to say, that there are options other than utilizing a funeral home at a fraction of the cost, and more importantly having friends and/or family prepare the body themselves for burial or cremation…all the while being respectful of the deceased. The family of the deceased can spend more time with their loved one and celebrate their life as they see fit. The film is called Family Undertaking. This amazing film is available for immediate viewing on Netflix or as a DVD rental. Of course home-based funerals are not for everyone and professional undertakers do have their place. It is wonderful to that we have options.

I would love to hear your comments.

4/10//2008 – Last minute addition about Home Funerals