Frank Harry Hamwey

Frank was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and grew up in Jacksonville, Florida where he attended Paxon High School. He enlisted in military service, serving in the Air National Guard, United States Air Force, and U.S. Army Reserve and Florida National Guard between 1958 and 1964.

Frank briefly worked as a salesman at May Cohen and then as an audio and video switcher for WFGA TV (Jacksonville) in the 1960’s. That experience led him to become a Radio Operator at WJAX from 1967 to 1972, during which time he also served as a Police Reservist with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO). In 1972, he joined the JSO as a Patrolman and dedicated 23 years to the agency, earning a promotion to the rank of Sergeant in 1979 and retiring in 1995.

After retiring from the JSO, Frank turned his passion for restoring jukeboxes into a successful business, gaining international recognition as a restorer of 1940’s and 1950’s jukebox mechanisms. His meticulous work brought the machines back to life. Frank was also an accomplished Bridge player and at times served as a Game Director. He enjoyed the game for decades, even into 2026, until shortly before his passing.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kathleen, who passed away in 2024 after 63 years of marriage. He is survived by his children, Kelley McFeters (Brad) and Kimberly Growcock (Robert); six grandchildren, Anthony McFeters (Tasia), Sara Growcock Winters (Alan), Scott McFeters (Rachel), Katrina Franklin (Chris), Alex McFeters (Eliana) and Katelyn McFeters; and nine great-grandchildren.

The Life of Frank Hamwey will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 11:00 am, at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, FL.