John Kagel Obituary
John was a renowned pioneer in the field of behavioral economics, a well-loved professor, and a nominated Nobel Prize contender. His research and teachings have left an indelible mark on the academic world. He was active with the ACLU, sponsoring and mentoring students during the summer months. His passion for social justice was evident as he attended the civil right demonstration at which Martin Luther King gave his famous Impossible Dream speech on his 21st birthdate, August 28, 1963. A man of many talents, John also found joy in training Border Collies for agility, playing tennis and cooking. His zest for life was contagious, inspiring those around him to live their lives fully and passionately.
John's legacy will be carried forward by his loving family. He is survived by his cherished wife Harriette Kagel; adoring daughters, Beth and Julie Kagel; caring sister, Janet Ressler; supportive brother, Ron Kagel; and loving nieces and nephews. John is preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Ruth Kagel, whose memory he held dear in his heart.
A graveside service will be held at 10:30am, Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at New Tifereth Israel, 2565 Performance Way, Columbus. Shiva will be from 5-7pm on Wednesday, January 7 at Creekside at the Village, 2200 Welcome Place, Columbus.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to ACLU (Link Below)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Hal Arkes
January 16, 2026
John and I team-taught several times and collaborated on a few publications. As a psychologist, I learned a lot from a very talented economist, which John certainly exemplified. After I moved to Cleveland several years ago, I would occasionally return to Columbus, usually including a lunch with John on my agenda. During the next-to-last time we lunched together, before I departed I shook his hand and said, "John, you're the best." I'm going to miss John, and so will so many others.
Mark Owens
January 8, 2026
My condolences to family, friends, colleagues, and everyone inspired by John´s life. He was a great advisor and mentor who showed us that we could be passionate about academic pursuits while maintaining other interests that bring joy to our lives. John was a gift to all of us, and we will miss him.
Dario Trujano-Ochoa
January 8, 2026
John Kagel was a very important figure for all of us interested in Experimental Economics. I started the PhD too late to meet him personally, but his research influenced me through many others who collaborate with him. His work inspired a will keep inspiring many young researchers. Thank you John.
Hajime Miyazaki
January 7, 2026
Thank you, John, for your impressive contributions to the academic, social and organizational capital of OSU and our Department. You have been our cool-headed economists' economist with a very warm heart. It was my great pleasure and privilege to be your colleague.
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Alexander Elbittar
January 7, 2026
I am deeply saddened by the passing of John Kagel. John was not only a towering figure in experimental and behavioral economics, but also an extraordinary mentor. As my advisor, he shaped the way I think about economic behavior, evidence, and intellectual honesty. His rigor, generosity, and curiosity left a lasting mark on me and on generations of students and co-authors. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire experimental economics community. His legacy will endure through his work and the many scholars he inspired.
Rick Tobin
January 7, 2026
John was a brilliant scholar and a wonderful person. I will always remember his kindness to me when I worked as his assistant at Ohio State. This was my first job after completing my undergrad degree, and John was patient and good-humored with me and all my rookie mistakes. He was a generous, thoughtful, and thoroughly good man. May his memory be a blessing.
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