Michael Jordan’s dad James Jordan was murdered in 1993. Learn more about the death of Jordan’s father and how the tragedy impacted his life.
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Michael Jordans father James Jordan was murdered in 1993.
Few people shaped Michael Jordan as much as his late father James Jordan Sr. James was tragically murdered on July 23,1993 and the former NBA star has been open about how his dad’s death impacted his life.
Michael’s Instagram page is mostly full of posts about shoe releases and other business ventures. The Bulls legend posted a rare personal message along with a photo of the two celebrating one of Michael’s six championships.
“My Dad was always one of My Biggest inspirations! Love you pops,” Michael posted on Instagram.
When Michael was criticized for gambling, it was James who stepped in and handled the frequent media questions. James was with his son during his infamous Atlantic City trip prior to Game 2 of the 1993 Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks.
“My father said ‘Let’s get away from New York City. Let’s you and I go to Atlantic City,’” Michael explained on The Last Dance, per USA Today. “We got a limo and went and gambled for a couple of hours and came back. Everybody went totally ballistic – ‘He was in the casino last night.’ It wasn’t late. We got home by 12:30, one o’clock.”
Here’s what you need to know.
How Michael Jordan Coped in the Months After His Father’s Murder| The Oprah Winfrey Show| OWNNBA legend Michael Jordan learned in August 1993 that his father, James Jordan, was found dead. Three months later, Oprah Winfrey asked him how he was coping. For more on #oprahwinfreyshow, visit http://WatchOWN.tv/TOWS Find OWN on TV at http://www.oprah.com/FindOWN #OWNTV #oprahwinfreyshow #Oprahwinfrey SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/1vqD1PN Download the Watch OWN App: http://bit.ly/2hr1nX2 About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey’s heart and creative instincts inform the brand — and the magnetism of the channel. Winfrey provides leadership in programming and attracts superstar talent to join her in primetime, building a global community of like-minded viewers and leading that community to connect on social media and beyond. OWN is a singular destination on cable. Depth with edge. Heart. Star power. Connection. And endless possibilities. Discover OWN TV: Find OWN on your TV!: http://bit.ly/1wJ0ugI Our Fantastic Lineup: http://bit.ly/1qMi2jE Connect with OWN Online: Visit the OWN WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1qMi2jE Like OWN on FACEBOOK: http://on.fb.me/1AXYujp Follow OWN on TWITTER: http://bit.ly/1sJin8Y Follow OWN on INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/LnqzMz Follow OWN on PINTEREST: http://bit.ly/2dvfPeN How Michael Jordan Coped in the Months After His Father’s Murder| The Oprah Winfrey Show| OWN http://www.youtube.com/user/OWN2017-06-06T02:23:47.000Z
James was murdered while at a rest stop in North Carolina. Michael’s father had been at a funeral the previous day then spent some time with friends before heading home. According to TMZ, James was missing for 11 days before his body surfaced in South Carolina. James’ body was thrown off a bridge and into the swamp water where it was later found.
Larry Demery and Daniel Green were charged with the murder. Their motives remain unclear other than plans to commit a robbery at the rest stop. Neither Demery or Green realized James’ identity until they later found one of Jordan’s championship rings that he had given his father.
My Dad was always one of My Biggest inspirations! Love you pops #jordan #michaeljordan
A post shared by Michael Jordan (@michaeljordan) on Jul 17,2018 at 7:32pm PDT
Michael retired from the NBA for the first time just months after his father’s death.
