Jack Morey

Jack Morey, of Wildwood Crest, New Jersey. Peacefully passed away on July 19, 2024, surrounded by the love of his wife, sons and brother. Born on October 17, 1960, in Cape May Court House to the late Will and Jackye Morey. Like the world-renowned amusement parks that absorbed five decades of his life, Jack Morey brimmed with an infectious energy that inspired all who met him. Clearly, he lived to make the world a brighter place and, as a result, his legacy and his inspiration - personal, professional and, most importantly, familial - shines on brilliantly. Following their fathers death in 1998, Jack and his brother, Will, took over the reins and expanded the Moreys businesses to include 3 amusement piers, 5 restaurants, 2 waterparks, 4 hotels and 2 golf courses. Never losing sight of their family roots, Jack remained the hands-on creative force of the Company throughout his entire career and viewed the world through an extraordinary lens. He was keen to defy conventional thinking, though not for the purpose of just being different. Jack earned a reputation for his wild, cutting-edge vision - he loved to tell people that it was his job to dream up 10 ideas and Wills job to keep him from doing 9 of them. This approach helped to form an effective partnership with his brother (the Yin to Jacks Yang) as each sought to establish Moreys Piers as the worlds best seaside park.Jacks unbridled exuberance for life came naturally. In many ways a big kid himself with a natural inclination for fun and adventure, he loved to waterski barefoot, knew how to ride a unicycle, was a master waterman and skier and a lover of nature. But Jack also understood the gravitas of his role: creating cherished memories for families. He nixed the idea of a general admission charge for entering the piers, worried it would decrease access and negatively impact boardwalk culture. He took great pride in facilitating joyful moments for people from all walks of life, and he never lost sight of the human denominator. As he explained during one interview: "Our customers are like America, a melting pot, in every way. What they seem to have in common, regardless of their demographic or wealth, is their love for family and tradition."Jack drew inspiration from travels around the world. He had many favorite cities and developed a passion for blending art with nature and for building dynamic and beautiful public spaces that contributed to a greater sense of community. Jack adored his hometown, often saying "Wildwood may not be a place for everybody, but it is a place for anybody." His work and commitment to public projects were considerable and included helping establish Crest Centennial Park, Morey Ballpark, The Socratic Outdoor Learning Center of Wildwood, the marquee "Wildwood" sign and Rio Grande Gateway Project, The Wildwood Convention Center and Wildwood Dog Park & Beach, and, of course, Moreys Piers, Resorts and associated businesses. All of the above bear Jacks unique vision.Jack served on the Board of Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority where he led the strategic planning effort and spent much time volunteering with various organizations, including the Greater Wildwoods Chamber of Commerce, the Doo Wop Preservation League, the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts, and the International Association for Amusement Parks and Attractions. In a career that focused with laser-like intensity on the human desire to have fun and create beautiful things, Jack was unusually well qualified for the many roles he embodied throughout his life, including his final calling of being a grandfather. Clearly, even more than any business or community project, Jack loved and cherished his family. He freely shared that his beautiful Bride Karen was way out of his league and that proposing to her (after an overnight flight to Thailand to find her) was the smartest move of his life. They built a life together that was greater than the sum of its equal parts. Jack and Karens two sons, Zack and Jordan were a constant source of pride - he admired them greatly and loved them fiercely. The boys have the example of their father to guide them as they move forward, countless memories to further his legacy, and immense gratitude for the man they were fortunate enough to call Dad. In recent years, the boys shared the dance floor with their father at their respective weddings; and they had the great honor of watching their dad transition to Grandpa with the birth of their children: Little Jack, Miller and Nora, whom Jack commonly referred to as his oxygen. Jack - part role model, part big kid - continuously got on the floor to play with their children, turning everything within reach into a toy.Jack is the beloved husband and best friend of Karen Morey (nee Edger). Loving father of Zack (Morgan) Morey and Jordan (Alyssa) Morey and dearest proud Popsey to Jack, Miller and Nora Morey. Brother of Will (Janice) Morey and Uncle of Will Morey and Kyle Morey. Sadly, he will also be missed by his brothers and sisters-in-law, John Edger, Thomas and Sandy Edger, Patricia and Glenn Donia, Regina and Tom Rios, Christina Edger; nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends and coworkers who were treated like family. Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Jacks life on Monday July 29, 2024, at the Church of the Assumption, 7100 Seaview Avenue, Wildwood Crest, New Jersey. Visitation will begin at 10AM. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1pm. In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Jacks passionate love of community, donations in his name can be made to either The Wildwood Catholic Academy, 1500 Central Ave, North Wildwood, NJ 08260; St. Augustine Preparatory School, 611 Cedar Avenue, Richland, New Jersey 08350; or to The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Jack prioritized finding love, joy and beauty in every day, we ask that you honor him by doing the same and share it with the people around you.

Cemetery
Burial will be private
PAUS

Visitation for Relatives and friends
Monday, July 29, 2024
10:00 AM - 12:50 PM
Assumption Church
7100 Seaview Avenue
Wildwood Crest NJ 08260
US

Funeral Mass
Monday, July 29, 2024
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Assumption Church
7100 Seaview Avenue
Wildwood Crest NJ 08260
US

Funeral Home
Murphy Ruffenach Brian W. Donnelly Funeral Home
2239 S 3rd St
Philadelphia PA - 19148
US
215-334-1578