Jazz musician Coleman Hawkins died nearly 40 years ago. But a local jazz society has worked hard in recent years to keep his name alive.

A larger-than-life statue will help them in their cause.

An 8-foot bronze statue of the jazz pioneer, born in 1904, will stand sentinel over the park that bears his name. Also known as Felix Street Square, Coleman Hawkins Park, located between Seventh and Eighth streets and Felix and Francis streets, is home to the jazz festival set for June 20 and 21 this year.

The statue features Mr. Hawkins standing while playing his saxophone. The statue will be placed atop a 3-foot pedestal, most likely on the southwest corner of the gazebo.

Bob Simpson, president of the St. Joseph Riverfront Corp., has worked on commissioning the piece for about two years. The artist, Colorado-based Herb Mignery, contributed to St. Joseph’s art aesthetic with the pioneer statue “Journey West” at the downtown gateway on Third Street, between Edmond and Charles streets.

“It’s going well, and it’s going to make schedule,” Mr. Simpson said of the June 20 or 21 deadline. “I’ve got the crane operator set to go.”

The budget for the commission, including shipping from Colorado and commemorative plaques, was just less than $100,000. Funding came through 12 donors, including the News-Press, Heartland Health, the city of St. Joseph and about four anonymous major donors.

Mr. Mignery is producing 100 smaller statues of Mr. Hawkins for $4,000 each. Net proceeds will benefit the Coleman Hawkins Jazz Society.