NBA Star, Michael Jordan Shared A Close Bond With His Father, James Jordan Who Inspired Him To Purse A Career In Basketball

October 17, 2026

This article was last updated by Aditi Rai on October 17, 2026

James R. Jordan Sr., father of NBA star Michael Jordan, passed away after a fatal shooting in 1993. However, his convicted killer, previously sentenced to life in prison, was released on October 15, 2026.

A passionate basketball fan himself, James R. Jordan Sr. played a massive part in inspiring Michael to become one of the greatest basketball players in history.

James lived vicariously through his son as Michael rose to become one of the most celebrated and iconic players in basketball history.

Moreover, Michael was very public about his close relationship with his father and often expressed gratitude for his father’s support and guidance throughout his life.

Following the release of Michael Jordan’s father’s convicted killer, there has been significant uproar online, with many questioning the reasons behind the decision to grant his release.

The Convicted Killer Of Michael Jordan’s Father, James Jordan Has Been Released

On October 15, 2026, the North Carolina judge who presided over the 1996 murder trial of James Jordan submitted a request to the state’s parole commission, supporting the release of the man he had previously sentenced to life in prison.

The North Carolina judge who presided over the 1996 murder trial of Michael Jordan's father petitioned Tuesday to release his convicted killer.

— ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago)

According to , Judge Gregory Weeks revealed that a forensic blood analyst suggested the blood-like substance discovered in the car where James Jordan was killed might not belong to him.

Prosecutors allegedly stated that James Jordan was asleep in the passenger seat of his Lexus when Daniel Green approached the vehicle and shot him.

The featured a key witness, Larry Demery, who was Green’s co-defendant and accused Green of shooting at Jordan.

However, the analyst did not disclose that other forensic tests conducted inside the vehicle returned negative results.

As a result, Judge Gregory Weeks felt uneasy about the potential for the undisclosed tests to alter the trial’s outcome.

In an by ABC News, Green expressed gratitude towards the judge, saying:

It speaks volumes about this case, and I’m overwhelmingly grateful.

Green waited for the commission’s decision, while prosecutors stated that his childhood friend and main witness, Demery, who accused him, was the one who killed Jordan.

Additionally, Green confessed that Demery asked him for help to dispose of the body after the incident. He also said:

Every day I live with the remorse and the pain and the suffering caused by my youthful decisions. I regret the harm my actions inflicted on the Jordan family.

Michael Jordan And His Father, James, Shared A Great Father-Son Relationship

Michael a deep bond with his father, who supported him from the beginning of his highly successful career.

In the 2026 documentary The Last Dance, which chronicles Michael’s career, he referred to his father as “my rock” and emphasized their close relationship.

Additionally, Michael shared that his father was a constant source of guidance and support during his early career. He said:

He constantly gave me advice, I remember in ninth grade, I got suspended three times in one year, and my father pulled me aside that summer and said: ‘Look, you don’t look like you’re heading in the right direction. You know, if you want to go about doing all this mischievous stuff, you can forget sports.’ “

Moreover, James always ensured he was present at his son’s major games, celebrating each of his victories.

James was present when Michael won three consecutive NBA championships in 1991, 1992, and 1993; however, the last one was just a few weeks before his death.

After his father’s demise, Michael expressed feeling a sense of emptiness due to the loss and even went as far as changing his jersey number, saying:

I didn’t want to go to 23 because I knew my father wasn’t there to watch me.

Furthermore, on Father’s Day in 1996, Michael secured another championship title for the Bulls and the victory to his father.

Raw and real.

MJ's first title without his dad by his side brought out every emotion.

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter)

In an emotional moment in the locker room, he reflected on the significance of winning on Father’s Day, saying:

I can’t even put it in words, on Father’s Day, what it means to me. I know he’s watching/

In Case You Didn’t Know

Michael Jordan’s parents, James Jordan and Deloris People married in 1956 and had five children.
Jordan played 15 seasons in the NBA and won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls.
The NBA website has stated by acclamation that Michael is the greatest basketball player of all time.

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Mahima is an inquisitive soul with a passion for books, music and movies- especially when it comes to overanalyzing them. An avid learner who likes learning anything and everything, with a slightly competitive streak, Mahima values meaningful conversations and finds joy in life's little quirks.

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