Jacksonville Review – May 2026
IN APRIL, a Wind Phone was installed in the Jacksonville Cemetery, thanks to the efforts of local, John Howell. John is no stranger to community projects—he spearheaded the restoration of the large Catholic cross in the cemetery about four years ago.
After completing that project, he saw a story about wind phones and decided Jacksonville needed one. The concept is simple: a disconnected phone enables one to “talk” with a departed loved one, carrying one’s thoughts in “the wind.” The phone offers a quiet space to connect with a lost loved one and help process grief and say things left unsaid.
Howell’s original plan was to place the wind phone in the now-vacant phone booth near the Post Office, but that idea was rejected when the property owner, Lumen Technologies, objected. Not one to quit, Howell began working with city planning officials and members of the cemetery commission, finally winning approval to install the phone in the cemetery grounds.
Howell is grateful for the help of John & Lori Ross, who provided the construction expertise for the phone booth, enclosure and placement. With the assistance of Cemetery Sexton Richard Shields, the housing for the phone was completed and the phone installed.
John Howell notes, “This is a place to be with your thoughts, feelings and the ones you miss…my hope is this will be a nurturing place for communicating with your loved ones.”
Those interested will find the Jacksonville Wind Phone in the Lower City Section, across from the restrooms.
Featured image: John Howell with Cemetery Sexton, Richard Shields. Photo: Sarah H.