In honor of National Funeral Director and Mortician Recognition Day (March 11), HonorBridge is proud to recognize James Haire, one of our valued funeral home partners and a recipient family member. With two decades of experience in the funeral service industry, James began his career at a funeral home near Charlotte before joining Hayworth-Miller Funeral Home in 2010. His compassion and expertise guide families through the funeral planning process, including those navigating organ donation. Below is a brief Q&A with James on the vital role funeral directors play in supporting both donation and end-of-life care.
How might organ donation affect the traditional funeral process, such as viewing the body or having an open casket ceremony?
Being an organ donor won’t prevent families from having a traditional funeral service with viewing. We are trained to handle these situations and will make every effort to allow families this opportunity.
How does the process of organ donation impact funeral arrangements?
Donor service companies do an excellent job communicating with both families and funeral homes. Funeral homes always appreciate it when the decedents arrive in our care quickly, but we also understand there are factors and circumstances out of our control. These individuals are cared for with the highest regard by medical professionals and funeral service professionals upon arrival at the funeral home.
What assurances can you provide regarding the integrity of the body after organ donation?
Funeral service professionals assure all families in their care that they will do their best to provide meaningful closure. Again, we are trained for these situations and identify what needs to be accomplished regarding the decedent’s appearance to best service the family.
Do you offer any support services or resources for families?
We provide advice for the timing of services and try our best to set expectations for an appropriate window to hold services.
How do you coordinate with medical teams to ensure a smooth transition between organ donation and funeral arrangements?
The medical/donor teams do a great job communicating with us so we can best service families in our care. They provide an estimated time of arrival for the decedent into our care in addition to other helpful information. This allows us to keep in constant communication with the family, so everyone is on the same page.
Are there any additional costs associated with organ donation that families should be aware of?
Organ procurement organizations like HonorBridge cover all medical costs associated with donation. Funeral homes may or may not have an additional fee for the extra care required for a decedent who becomes a donor.
Are there any ways in which organ donation might affect the grieving process or add additional emotional strain to loved ones?
I don’t see the donation process causing additional emotional strain. Being an organ donor and giving the gift of life provides comfort to grieving families during a difficult time.
After the donation process, what follow-up care or assistance do you provide to families as they continue to navigate the grieving process?
Hayworth-Miller offers resources and aftercare programs to ensure that the families receive the necessary support long after the services have concluded.
How has your own personal experience with donation, particularly as a recipient family member, impacted your perspective and your work?
My mother was the recipient of a double lung transplant in April 2013. She passed away on November 26, 2015. The wonderful gift she received provided 2.5 more years for her with us and we created lasting memories during this time. I am so thankful to the donor and their family for this gift. What we do isn’t a job, it’s a calling, in my opinion. Working long hours, holidays, and weekends isn’t always easy, but the opportunity to serve and help people in a time of need is rewarding. Creating meaningful services to honor the life of someone is so important. We are blessed to have the opportunity to serve.
