James R. Jordan Sr. was a man who contributed significantly to the life of one of the all-time great basketball players, Michael Jordan. He was not only a father but also a coach, mentor, and a big supporter of Michael’s career. His life and legacy have made an impact that Michael still feels today.
Quick Facts About James R. Jordan
| Full Name | James Raymond Jordan Sr |
| Birthdate | July 31, 1936 |
| Occupation | Equipment Supervisor, Military (U.S. Air Force), Textile Mill Worker, General Electric |
| Husband/Wife | Deloris Peoples (married in 1956) |
| Education | Attended local schools in North Carolina, Military Training (U.S. Air Force) |
| Died
Age Height |
23 July 1993
56 years old (at the time of his death) 1.68 m |
| Parents | William Jordan, Rosa Bell Jordan |
| Grandchildren | Marcus Jordan, Jeffrey Michael Jordan, Jasmine Mickael Jordan, Ysabel Jordan, Victoria Jordan |
| Children | Michael Jordan (Son), Larry Jordan (Son), James Jordan Jr. (Son), Deloris Jordan (Daughter), Roslyn Jordan (Daughter) |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
Early Life and Background
James Jordan was born July 31, 1936, in Wallace, North Carolina. He was from a sharecropping family. James was the oldest of five children and had to mature early. James’s early life was hard, but he learned to value hard work and determination.
After completing school, James enlisted in the United States Air Force. This was a large portion of his life, and it demonstrated his commitment to serving his nation. After he left the military, he worked at a textile mill and eventually became an equipment supervisor at General Electric. James was a diligent man who always took care of his family.
Family Life
James married Deloris Peoples in 1956. They had five children together: Larry, James Jr., Deloris, Michael, and Roslyn. Michael was born in 1963, and James ensured his son was filled with love, support, and encouragement from the beginning.
James was always around for his children. He wanted to teach them the right way of living, both through working hard and through being good. He took a special liking to Michael, hanging out to tutor him on sports, discipline, and life. James loved basketball and baseball, and it was him who taught Michael about them.
James and Michael’s Relationship
James was not only a father to Michael. He was also his largest fan. Michael has made countless statements saying that his father played a major role in his life, both on the court and off. James didn’t only cheer for Michael. He was there to provide counsel, encouragement, and support. They spent hours talking about life and sports.
One of the lessons James instilled in Michael most was never giving up. James was a believer in hard work and encouraged his children to become the best versions of themselves. This lesson persisted with Michael for the rest of his life and made him the basketball legend he is today.
James was not only a basketball enthusiast. He was also a fan of baseball, and he was the person who inspired Michael to try baseball when he first retired from basketball. Michael did take his advice seriously, and for a brief period, he played for the Birmingham Barons, a minor league baseball team. This was due in great part to his father’s influence and hopes of watching Michael play baseball.
Tragic End
James Jordan’s life was cut far too short. He was assassinated on July 23, 1993. He was driving to meet a friend at the time that he was assassinated. His body was discovered two weeks later in Gum Swamp Creek in South Carolina. His car, his red Lexus for which Michael had purchased him a new one, was discovered off the side of the road outside Fayetteville, North Carolina, its parts taken out.
The killing shocked the world and profoundly affected Michael Jordan. Two individuals, Larry Demery and Daniel Green, were arrested for the killing of James. Demery confessed to the crime, but Green maintained that he was innocent. The killing marked a turning point in the life of Michael, and it resulted in his temporary retirement from basketball. He chose to give baseball a try, something his father always encouraged him to do.
READ ALSO: Michael Jordan Net worth, Age Wife, Family, Facts & More
Legacy and Memory
James R. Jordan Sr. was laid to rest at Rockfish African Methodist Episcopal Church Cemetery in North Carolina. James’ death created a huge void in Michael’s life. Despite James being away, his teachings and love still influenced Michael. Michael has constantly talked about how his dad’s death impacted him and how it altered the path of his life and career.
James R. Jordan’s legacy continues today. The success of Michael Jordan, both on the court and off it, can be attributed to the love and guidance provided by his father. James was a parent, mentor, and friend who believed in Michael even during difficult times. Their relationship will never be forgotten and will forever be a part of Michael’s path.
Ultimately, James R. Jordan’s life serves to remind us all of the values of family, hard work, and pursuing our dreams. His impact on Michael Jordan is apparent, and it still inspires Michael and fans throughout the world today.
