Iconic speechwriter and cool, warm, funny human, John Shosky, passed away on May 6 2024. He died in Alexandria, Virginia, where he lived. Now I know why he stopped replying to my messages.
We met in and around London, where we often spoke at the same events. We had a common love of dogs, words and politics – probably in that order.
He was so smart and so kind.
Talking to him about words and books was like being given a personal and intimate tour of the Library of Congress. Plus every other library in the world worth exploring. He wasn’t just any old speechwriter; he knew so much, but he wore his knowledge lightly.
John was super generous with his time and words. It was surreal for this boy from a small town in Africa to be introduced to an audience by John Shosky with the words: “I can honestly say that I learn from you, which I can only say about two or three people in our field… Your clients are lucky to have you.” JOHN SHOSKY said that. I nearly forgot where I was and what I was there to say.
I could hardly believe it when he asked if he could put a link to my website on his! “YES, John – obviously!”
John was more than just an accomplished speechwriter and author. He was a coach, a mentor, and a guide to so many… and I am beyond proud to say we were friends. Sadly we lived too far apart to meet regularly.
Professor Shosky earned his PhD in Law and Philosophy, but was a speechwriter (over seven million words in 2800 speeches, all on public record!) for FIVE presidential administrations: – Reagan (40), Bush (41), and Bush (43) Administrations. He worked in the Executive Office of the President, White House Public Affairs, The Department of Health and Human Services, The Department of Education, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
He authored two books: Speaking to Lead, London: Bite Back Publishing 2010, and The Words of our Time, London: Bite Back Publishing 2012. After “retiring”, John wrote speeches for private sector clients.
He taught more than 200 university undergraduate and graduate-level courses as a professor at American University in Washington, D.C., a visiting senior member at Linacre College, University of Oxford, and as a visiting fellow at the Institute of Logic, Czech Academy of Science.
That is some CV.
But for me, he was a naughty words-accomplice who liked a drink, loved jazz, words and stories, and also loved dogs. He was a fellow fan of small words. We often spoke about the master of small words – Hemingway.
See below how a Doctor of Law and Philosophy, and a true master of words, spoke. He did “human” really well!
Here is the link to his obituary.
RIP, dear friend. https://www.jeffersonfuneralchapel.com/obituaries/john-shosky-2/#!/Obituary
