Who is Michael Jordans father, James Jordan?
James Jordan Sr. was more than Michael Jordan’s father. He was his coach, his confidant, and his inspiration. He shaped his son into one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
James Jordan Sr. grew up in Wallace, North Carolina, where he met his wife, Deloris Peoples, in high school. They married in 1956 and had five children, including Michael, who was born in 1963.
Michael Jordan Early Life and Family
Jordan Sr. served in the Air Force and later worked at a textile mill in Wallace, North Carolina, where he and his wife raised their first three children: James Jr., Deloris and Larry. In 1963, they moved to Brooklyn, New York, for better opportunities. Jordan Sr. enrolled in a mechanic’s program on the G.I. Bill and learned about aeroplane hydraulics, while his wife took a job at a bank.
But Brooklyn was not a safe place for their family in the 1960s, as crime rates soared. The Jordans decided to return to North Carolina and settled in Wilmington, where they welcomed their fifth and final child, Roslyn, in 1968.
Also Read: Who killed James Jordan? Identity of Michael Jordan’s father’s murderer unveiled
James Jordan’s Influence on Michael Jordan
James Jordan Sr. had a passion for baseball and basketball that he passed on to his son Michael. Jordan Sr. was a devoted father who taught his son Michael how to play baseball, his favorite sport and Michael’s first love. He introduced Michael to basketball and coached him in his backyard.
He pushed him to work hard, to compete, and to overcome challenges. He cheered him on as he became a star at North Carolina and in the NBA. Michael Jordan looked up to his father as a role model and a friend. He said his father taught him how to be a leader and how to handle pressure.
A tragic loss and a lasting legacy
His life ended tragically on July 23, 1993, when he was shot by two robbers who found him sleeping in his car on a highway in North Carolina. He had been golfing that day and was on his way home. His body was dumped in a swamp in South Carolina and was not identified until 11 days later.
His son Michael, who had just won his third straight NBA title with the Chicago Bulls, was devastated by the loss. He announced his retirement from basketball in October 1993. He said he had no motivation or desire to play anymore without his father.
He decided to pursue his father’s dream for him to play baseball. He joined the Chicago White Sox organization and played for their minor league team, the Birmingham Barons, for a year. He faced many difficulties and criticisms, but he never quit. He came back to basketball in 1995 and led the Bulls to three more championships.
James Jordan Sr. was a man of faith, honor, and kindness. He loved his family, his friends, and his foundation. He gave his son the principles of hard work, perseverance, and excellence that made him a legend. He lives on through his son’s legacy and his foundation’s vision.
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