Photo: Alberto Menendez Cervero / Moment / Getty Images
A great man is gone. Jack Morey, the co-owner of Morey's Piers in Wildwood has died, he was 63. Having joined WZXL in 1990, I had many personal interactions with jack for radio station on-site promotions at the Pier and Wildwood boardwalk. Jack was my respected point-man for a few years beginning in the early 1990's. We searched for and discussed ways for the station to have a regular weekly LIVE on location broadcast from one of the Morey's piers during the busy summer months. It was Jack that came up with the idea of the WZXL Beach Bus. He was able to secure a retired school bus, paint it red and place it in the center of the tourist universe on Schellenger Pier, near the wooden rollercoaster. I would hand truck my remote broadcast equipment each Friday to the "beach bus", connect to the (38,000) watt radio station and host a show with on-site contests and other fun. It was Jack's vision. His kind heart and endless imagination was the creative force for visitors and locals alike.
Several years later, Morey's Pier and Wildwoods Tourism decided on helicopter sightseeing rides along the Wildwoods shoreline. It was Jack who contacted the radio station and check on my availability to make the inaugural run. I drove to the Cape May airport, microphone in hand and took the very cool, thrilling and scenic ride to the Wildwoods and the Morey's Pier landing strip. Helicopter sightseeing rides had to be a thrill for visitors to experience the Wildwood shoreline especially the nighttime lights along the piers. To actively promote an activity on-air and meet listeners on-site has always been an enjoyable experience for me. This day was no different. Speaking with Jack on air about his plans for helicopter rides and upcoming summer attractions in general was priceless. He always made me feel important. No doubt he had this affect with his family, friends and the local community for decades.
Most recently, Jack was creatively designing mini-golf sites in the Wildwoods, a longtime favorite pastime of visitors and locals. Starlux Mini Golf and his latest project the Big Little 9 Golf Course in Cape May Court House, New Jersey were the brainchild of his selfless creativity. Jack also lent his tireless vision in establishing the Doo Wop architecture, The iconic Wildwoods sign, the Wildwood dog park and beach and the Socratic Learning Center. Jack Morey, a 50% 2nd generation owner of the legendary Morey's Piers in Wildwood along with his brother Will was recognized as a creative genius within the organization. His official title was Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer (CCO). He shied away from titles and instead "connected" with people. He searched for needs to fill and he searched endlessly to make the community and world a better place. He accomplished that. And we are forever grateful.