Jacksonville Review – September 2026

JOHN AND JANE HOWELL are a living example of a local family dealing with Alzheimer’s and dementia. As John notes, it’s proven to be a struggle and a blessing all at once. In the case of the Howell family, “it has brought us closer together.” About 11 years ago, the family noticed little lapses and changes in Jane’s behavior. “Jane and I were in our early 70’s and soon realized that denial was the first bridge that needed to be crossed! We had lived in and close to Jacksonville since 1978 and were living in our “Charles Shultz” house, built in 1872.” In 2011, John and Jane decided it was for the best and downsized homes. In the years since, they’ve kept positive attitudes and smiles on their faces and, says John, “Jane is a trooper. We’d always loved taking road trips and did so just until a few years ago. We’d visited Henry’s Lake, ID, the San Juan Islands, WA, Arch Cape and Black Butte, OR, and many other places.”

Through it all, Jane continued to be a “sweet” person, and in 2024, the couple made the most difficult decision and moved her into memory care. “Truly, this was the most difficult decision of our lives…and the entire family has been involved.” John reflected on family life, “Our daughters, Julie and Angie, showed horses at fairs and horse shows, once winning the State Fair Championship. Our son, Michael, raised sheep for 4H and was on the ski and soccer teams. My wife, Jane, worked at Harry & David’s Jackson & Perkins Roses for 21 years. I was in restaurant management for 20+ years and managed the Sandpiper Restaurant in Medford with Jerry Hayes, current co-owner of the Bella Union here in town.” Locals will also recall that John has headed several non-profit projects in recent years, including the restoration of the Catholic Section cross in Jacksonville’s Historic Cemetery and the newly-installed Wind Phone in 2025.

When John began to realize that restaurant life was not necessarily conducive to family life, he decided to get his contractor’s license and worked in the Rogue Valley. “We both retired at 65, and when Jane began showing signs of Alzheimer’s/dementia in 2016, I joined the Alzheimer’s Association Support Group, which was very comforting and educational.” Since then, he’s headed their “Walk to End Alzheimer’s team, named the Chitwood Segue Team. The “Segue” represents a “smooth transition,” hence the name of the team. “This year, we are fortunate to have Farmington Square Medford, Pioneer Village Jacksonville, and Bristol Hospice as sponsors. There will be various fundraising events, and they are providing needed energy and support. I personally welcome you to join our team for the walk.”

The 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s is on September 19. Learn more at alz.org/walk or call 800-272-3900.

Yours sincerely, The John and Jane Howell Family