Seaside Heights Mourns Passing of Boardwalk Legend, Still Working Into His 90s

Jimmy Van Kirk and Casino Pier (Photos: Shorebeat/Casino Pier)

Jimmy Van Kirk, a legendary figure who was familiar to generations of visitors to the Seaside Heights boardwalk, has died at the age of 93 – a few months shy of what would have been another season manning the rides on the borough’s boardwalk.

Van Kirk’s passing was announced by Casino Pier, his most recent employer, prompting a flood of memories and stories to be posted online honoring a man whose career centered around providing safe, fun summer entertainment for decades.

Van Kirk owned his own rides on the boardwalk for many years before the attractions were sold primarily to Casino Pier and the former Funtown Pier. But he also played a key role inspecting rides at both of those locations as a specialist in ride safety and mechanics.

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“Jimmy has always been the go-to historian in regards to Casino Pier and the Boardwalk,” the company said in a statement. “He has known all the rides and attractions, both past and present.”

Jimmy Van Kirk (Photo: Casino Pier)

Anecdotes showed proof of the joy Van Kirk derived from working on the boardwalk, and the lengths he went to remain working into his 90s.

“Our Casino Pier family will always remember Jimmy and his infamous shopping cart. He was always inventing ways to adapt so he could keep working on the pier,” the company said. “He made a makeshift walking cane that was crafted from a miniature-golf club! He always had amazing creative inventions.”

The company said Van Kirk planned on working on the rides this summer, as usual.

“A Seaside Heights Boardwalk legend!” commented Borough Administrator Christopher Vaz, who also serves as borough historian in his free time.

“Hardest working man I’ve ever met, what a work ethic,” recalled Frank Gato.

“Jimmy was a great man and a large part of Seaside, prayers for Jim and his family,” said Greg Kohr, proprietor of the famous boardwalk frozen custard chain.

Announcements on services or memorials were not yet available.