James Jordan and Deloris Jordan’s love story which ultimately shaped the destiny of basketball legend Michael Jordan began with a simple yet profound line. Their journey began in 1954 in Rose Hill, North Carolina, where Charity High School served as the backdrop for this enduring romance.
James with a passion for basketball was on the school’s basketball team, when he first saw Deloris who took his breath away. Little did he know that a chance encounter would lead to a love story for the ages.
On one fateful day, James offered Deloris, along with her cousin, a ride home. It was this small gesture that set their love story in motion. As they embarked on the journey home, James couldn’t help but be captivated by Deloris, who was sitting in the backseat.
(1986) Young Michael Jordan at home with his parents, James and Deloris.#TheLastDance pic.twitter.com/Z87HSOTBWT
— Timeless Sports (@timelesssports_) May 11, 2020
He turned to her and uttered a line that would change their lives forever: “Oh, I didn’t realize I had somebody else in here. You’re pretty cute”. Deloris, equally charmed, replied with a playful, “You’re pretty fresh”. But it was James’s next words that sealed their fate: “Could be. But someday I’ll marry you,” James declared.
With those words, James embarked on a love story that would span decades. After two years James and Deloris exchanged vows in 1956, shortly after relocating to Virginia due to James’ military career in the Air Force.
How did James Jordan and Deloris Jordan meet?
Their love story blossomed with the birth of their first son, James Ronald Jr. Over time, they welcomed two more children, Deloris and Ronny, solidifying their commitment to family. In 1962, the family briefly relocated to Brooklyn, New York, as James pursued mechanic’s training on the GI Bill.
However, their hearts always belonged to North Carolina, where they returned to raise their growing family. It was there that Michael Jordan, the NBA legend who would revolutionize basketball, was born in 1963, followed by their daughter Roslyn a year later.
James and Deloris’s values, emphasizing the life lessons taught by sports, played a pivotal role in shaping Michael’s successful career. James nurtured his son‘s competitive spirit, both on and off the court.
On the other hand, Deloris became a driving force behind Michael‘s entrepreneurial ventures. He aided him in securing the iconic Nike shoe deal that contributed significantly to his path to becoming a billionaire. The Jordan family’s legacy extends as James and Deloris raised a family of accomplished individuals in their respective fields.
However, the Jordan family faced a heart-wrenching tragedy in July 1993. James Jordan was shot and killed while sleeping in his car at a highway rest stop in Robeson County. Eleven days later, his body was found after being discarded off a bridge in South Carolina.
Despite this devastating loss, Deloris remained a source of strength for her family. Her unwavering support and resilience helped them navigate the difficult journey of grief. The love story of James and Deloris Jordan remains alive and etched in inspiring stories.
