Jack Freese Obituary
He is survived by his wife of 64 years Tomi (Dawn), sons Scott and Mark, brother-in-law Dean Irvine (Dot), cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents, sister Betty, Aunt Jola and daughter-in-law Marianne.
Jack was born in Vincennes, Indiana on November 4, 1931 to George and Harriet Freese. He grew up and went to schools in Lawrenceville, Berwyn and Chicago, Illinois. He completed 3 years at Morton Junior College then enlisted in the US Air Force on June 26, 1952. After basic training, he was assigned to 1st Computation Tech Squadron. That group, before computers, did survey and old-fashioned math computations to set up the US down-range missile tracking sites. While in service, he was involved with a small radio station on base and got "hooked" on broadcasting. After being discharged in 1956, using the G.I. Bill, he studied at The Television Workshop of New York.
Having been stationed in West Palm Beach his final years of Air Force duty, Jack was thrilled his first job after 1957 graduation was in West Palm Beach. He worked as a film editor/projectionist then director at a local TV station for a year. In 1958 he got a job as production manager/director at WPTV channel 5. In 1960 he moved to WIRK radio doing news and DJ shifts. He did that for 5 years and then was hired as 11 PM news anchor at WPTV channel 5 and was there for 9 years. In 1983, he was hired by State Attorney David Bludworth where he did public information, office publications and served as administrative assistant. He retired in 1993 after 10 years.
Jack's interests were as varied as his broadcasting career: photography, CB radio, computers, stock car racing, astronomy, magic, local community theater, artwork/charcoal and oil, years with Palm Beach Opera as 'supers' captain and announcer at performance openings. When his sons were in the band at Forest Hill High School, Jack was announcer for the band half-time shows.
Family and friends will remember lots of love and fun times.
There will be a Celebration Gathering on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Royal Palm Brewing Co. from 11 am to 1 pm.
Call Tomi (561-386-9116) for details.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jack, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
William Douglas
August 5, 2025
My condolences to Tomi and Jack's sons. I am just now learning of his passing. My fiance and I were planning on inviting him and Tomi to our wedding in November. I wish I had stopped by to say hello when we were in West Palm for Christmas.
I grew up on Seville road where my grandma lived adjacent to Jack and Tomi. I would come over all the time as a kid to bother Jack and have him show me things like his telescope or a magic trick. And my sister would come over to bother Tomi and learn how to bake from her, lol. He is the one that got me interested in astronomy and soon after he showed me how to use one I got my own telescope.
He was a great person, and will be missed dearly.
John Thacker
May 22, 2025
So sorry to just learn of Jack's passing. We worked together at WIRK in 1964. He introduced me to his wife's sister and we got married in '65. Jack and I have been friends all these years. He was a most interesting fellow. I visited with him a couple years ago after his stroke. Although in a wheelchair, his mind was still sharp as a tack and he could recall the past with no problem. Condolences to Tomi, Scott and Mark.
John Thacker
Al Rohde
April 30, 2025
Jack, we go back to the early '70s when we worked at WEAT AM and FM radio. 2000 we became members of the SOB (Senile Old Broadcasters) group in Palm Beach County. In 2001 you got me a job as a Roman soldier in the Opera Norma at the kravis center in Palm Beach. I even got paid but would have done it for nothing. You will be forever missed at our luncheons. May God bless you my friend.
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Michael Keen
February 28, 2025
Jack, I remember your wry sense of humor and steady work as a professional newsman anchoring the late news at WPTV when I
anchored weekends and local news breaks during the Today Show.
You join a cavalcade of memorable personalities that include Buck
Kinnard, Tony Glen, Jim Mueller, Bill Gordon and other television
pioneers, all familiar faces to West Palm Beach viewers in the early seventies. Mike Keen, Palm City
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