The spirit of Jeffrey Bailey, Jr. shined on during the first JBBJ Memorial Ride held in his memory on Sunday, Sept. 30, raising funds for his daughter’s education and for those struggling with addiction.

The former Bourne resident with strong Wareham ties passed away in March at the age of 32. Friends, family and supporters gathered for the motorcycle ride, which ended at the Wareham-New Bedford Lodge of Elks No. 73 with food, raffles, games. and live music. Roughly 65 bikes and five trucks joined the ride. 

Jennifer Westgate, whose husband Les was a close friend of Bailey’s, co-founded the ride with Karyn Croce, one of Bailey’s sisters.

Westgate said Bailey was an avid biker who often participated in other charity rides and was always looking to give back.

“He had a big heart,” said Westgate. “Today is all about the things he loved.”

Bailey’s daughter Brooklyn lives in Wareham and a portion of the funds raised Sunday will go into a fund for her education.

“Brooklyn was his everything and he wanted her to have the world,” said Westgate. “Now it’s our mission to ensure she has the opportunity to learn and grown.”

Some of the money raised will also be donated to There’s a Solution, a group dedicated to helping people live sober lives. Next year’s ride is already scheduled for Sept. 29. Westgate said she’s looking forward to it.

“We hope to get bigger and better every year,” she said.