He died July 19 at the age of 63, the family-owned and operated seaside amusement park said in a July 22 announcement.
In its statement, the company described Morey as the longtime “creative force” behind the boardwalk staple, which includes more than 100 amusement park rides and two waterparks on three piers.
A second-generation owner, Morey was executive vice president and chief creative officer of the 55-year-old business. Morey's Piers and Water Parks also owns several hotels and restaurants.
“Jack was long fascinated with people, design, and public spaces from all around the world, and spent his life and career working to bring his incredible and innate creativity to life. If you’ve visited Wildwood, you’ve been touched by Jack’s vision,” the company said.
Outside of the business, Morey’s “unique vision” spurred the creation of several other local attractions. Highlights include the Rio Grande Avenue Gateway, the "Wildwoods" sign, the Wildwood Dog Park and Beach, the Socratic Outdoor Learning Center, Starlux Mini Golf and the Big Little 9 Golf Course, the company said.
'A place for anybody'
“He drew inspiration from the most unlikely places and poured his passion for beauty, art, and human interaction into everything in which he was involved. Jack adored the Wildwoods, often describing it as ‘not a place for everybody, but it is a place for anybody,’ and in answering the question of what’s your favorite project, there was no hesitation, simply ‘the next one, but first we must fall in love,’” the company said.
He drew inspiration from the most unlikely places and poured his passion for beauty, art, and human interaction into everything in which he was involved.
Morey’s Piers and Water Parks
A cause of death was not disclosed. The Cape May County Herald reported Morey died from complications of cancer.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Karen, as well as two children (Zack and Jordan), three grandchildren (Jack, Miller and Nora) and three dogs (Hobbes, Finley and Frankie).
His older brother, Will Morey, serves as president and CEO of the company. Will Morey is also a Cape May County commissioner.
Jack Morey is pictured with his family. - PROVIDED BY MOREY'S PIERS
Services will be held July 29 at Assumption Church in Wildwood Crest. A gathering will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with services immediately after.
Founded in 1969, Morey’s Piers and Water Parks is the largest group of seaside amusement piers in the world. In 2019, Amusement Today magazine named it “Park of the Year” for its “innovation and creative success” and “taking the lead in bringing big rides to the Jersey Shore.”
“Jack's perspective and passion are inspirations that, while irreplaceable, we will strive to follow as we continue with his personal quest to make Morey's Piers the 'Greatest Seaside Park in the World,'" the company said.
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