Dr. John J. Hammerli

Dr. John J. Hammerli, of Jacksonville, Florida passed away on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. Born in Topeka, Kansas on October 5, 1939, son of the late Marie (Monaghan) and Harold Hammerli.
Dr. Hammerli graduated from Hayden High School and then Rockhurst University where he earned his B.S. degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and Philosophy. Following his undergraduate studies, Dr. Hammerli received a Doctor of Optometry degree from Illinois College of Optometry. He was a member of Omega Epsilon Phi and also, the Tomb & Key, which is ICO's highest scholarly honor, recognizing academic excellence and promoting ethics in the field of Optometry.
Upon graduation, Dr. Hammerli began his private practice in Topeka, Kansas. He was one of the first Optometrist in Topeka to pursue a Fellowship in The American Academy of Optometry. In Topeka, he met Fran on a blind date, and they quickly became inseparable. They married in 1971. Dr. Hammerli and his cousin Joe Quinton were very close. When Joe was young, his family moved to Orlando. The Hammerli's followed suit in 1974 moving to Central Florida where he set up private practice. He and Fran lived in Maitland for 5 years and then in Winter Park for 42 years.
He was passionate in the field of Optometry and found great joy in meeting the needs of his patients. Dr. Hammerli volunteered at Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, Lions Club, and Jeppesen Vision Quest. In addition, he was a contract provider for the U.S. Army recruits stationed in Orlando, Florida. He was a member of Partners in Education and enjoyed speaking to students throughout Orange County Public Schools. His Optometry career spanned over 50 years.
Dr. Hammerli lived each day to the fullest. Being a positive person, he never let his numerous health battles interfere with his zest for life. He had a wonderful sense of humor. His contagious laugh was quick to make everyone smile. Above all, his Christian faith was very important to him as well as time with his family. He was an avid reader, enjoyed music, dancing, watching football and golf, traveling and geography. With his children, he enjoyed activities with the Indian Princess and Indian Guides. Christmas, birthdays with German chocolate cake, dining out and great conversation were so memorable to him. He loved animals and was especially fond of his large black labs Grady and Bucky. In his youth, he enjoyed water skiing, tennis, baseball, playing the clarinet and his family's memorable and famous trip to Cuba.
While being a long time devoted member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, he was also a dedicated supporter of the school. He was a Worthy Grand Knight of Monsignor Bishop Council, No. 2112, in Orlando, Florida. He was a 60 year member of the American Optometric Association, as well as a member of the Florida Optometric Association. Dr. Hammerli was a past member of The Lake Mary Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce of both Lake Mary and Sanford, FL and on the board of directors for East Orange County Chamber of Commerce.
Dr. Hammerli is survived by his wife of 54 years, Frances "Fran" (Clements) Ransom; four children, Stacey Mitchell (Jason), John Hammerli II (Amanda), Meredith Dowell (Billy), and James Hammerli (Anna); grandsons Ozlo Mitchell and Reid Hammerli; cousins Joe Quinton, Bob Byers, Judi Byers, Connie Hess, Ed Hammerli, and the late Mary Lou Snyder. Brothers in law, Dr. John Clements, James Clements, and Sister in law, the late Karen Pitts along with several nieces and nephews.
The funeral mass will be held on October 28th, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 526 N. Park Avenue, Winter Park, Florida. Burial services will take place on October 30th, 2024, 12:00, in Moultrie, Georgia.
Remembrances for Dr. Hammerli may be made to any of the following: Guiding Eyes for the Blind - www.guidingeyes.org/onyx; The Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.org/development; Hayden Catholic H.S. (Hayden Foundation) - www.haydencatholicfoundation.org/donate