Flashback To Jack Bradley: A Wonderful Father

Jack Bradley entertaining a wedding crowd with his rendition of On the Way to Cape May.

“On The Way To Cape May” is a classic seashore song cherished by many in the beach towns of South Jersey. Our Dad, Jack, entertained his eight children with this cheerful tune on a regular basis as we were growing up. We all loved it. We knew every word and sang along with pleasure. It’s a love song of sorts. 

I’m a little vague as to whether, or not, Jack actually claimed it as his own creation. But, we pretty much believed he wrote it simply because we never heard anyone else sing it when we were kids.  My siblings and I really enjoyed thinking that our own Dad could come up with “ a little ditty” about our South Jersey seashore towns. It’s a cute, fun song that’s easy to sing along to. Great party tune.

If you ever had the pleasure of meeting Jack Bradley, you’d know that he loved an audience. Hand him a microphone up on a stage and he was in Heaven. A natural at entertaining a crowd. Sometimes, I can’t believe I’m related to him because the spotlight has never been my thing. I’ve run from it all my life. And, as far as singing goes, let’s just say that I may be the only one who is thrilled when I’m belting out a tune which is something I love to do.

My family lives in Margate City on Absecon Island which is a barrier island on the coast of New Jersey about 30 miles, or so, North of Cape May, N. J. Margate is a sweet little beach community that shares the island with Atlantic City, Ventnor City and the borough of Longport. There are several other barrier islands as you travel south “along the Jersey shore” with towns as charming as Margate. Ocean City, Sea Isle, Avalon and Stone Harbor to name a few. 

Each of these small communities has much to offer in the way of beautiful beaches, boardwalks, gorgeous homes and wonderful restaurants. They are boating destinations with all sorts of water craft available. Each season at the Jersey shore presents a list of enjoyable activities that have delighted families and friends for ages. It’s easy to relax and leave your troubles behind when you spend time in any one of these towns. Bike riding, surfing and simply soaking up the sun are all part of the fun the South Jersey coast has to offer.

My family has been enthralled with the Jersey shore forever. Our relatives and friends love to visit us in this darling little haven as often as possible. Jack has always referred to the seashore as, “ the land of milk and honey”. A feeling of peace and contentment envelops you as you cross the bridges onto the islands. Everything seems right with the world as you leave the mainland behind. You just want to say, “ahhh!” as you begin to breathe in the salt sea air.

No wonder someone was able to write a catchy tune about  these island towns. Everywhere I travel at the shore, especially in the summertime, people sing this song. It’s a favorite with beachgoers from Atlantic City to Cape May- the southern most point in New Jersey. Happy Hours are the perfect venue for, “On The Way To Cape May”. Everyone joins in. You can’t help it. This tune generates so much happiness. 

I can vividly picture my Dad singing this endearing song at many a wedding. Invariably, the bride or groom would ask Jack to entertain the crowd with his favorite song. An impromptu gesture that thrilled one and all. He loved it. He would usually add one or two more songs to his repertoire. “By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea…” was a crowd pleaser, too. But, Jack’s rendition of, “On The Way To Cape May” always stole the show. To the delight of everyone, he would add a few dance moves just to liven things up a bit. So much fun!

At our Dad’s funeral a few years ago, my brother, John, had the brilliant idea to have everyone sing this special tune at his gravesite. He had copies made of the words and passed them out to all in attendance. As we were paying our final respects to a man we loved so well, the crowd, at John’s direction, began to sing, “Oh, I sang this little ditty as I left from Ocean City to one who was so lovely to adore. Well, I sang this little ditty as we left from Ocean City down along the Jersey shore…” Not a dry eye in the group. Happy tears in tribute to a man loved by so many and a song that sums everything up about the beach towns he loved deeply. 

Even though Jackson, as we referred to him often, went to his Heavenly Reward over three years ago, he is still greatly missed. And, not just by his extended family. Everywhere that my siblings and I travel on Absecon Island, people come up to us and tell great stories about him. The love they feel for him is at once evident. He had a unique way of making people feel special, connected, loved. His personality was bigger than life. The eight of us are thrilled when someone regales us with a Jack Bradley tale. It helps keep his memory alive within us. No greater gift could these dear old friends give us. Love you, Dad!