The American Basketball Legend, Jerry West passed away on June 12, 2024, at the age of 86. Following West‘s tragic demise, fans have been eager to know more details about Jerry West’s family.
Jerry was born into a poor family in Chelyan, West Virginia, on May 28, 1938. He belongs to his parents, Cecil Sue West, a housewife, and Howard Stewart West, a coal mine electrician. Jerry was the fifth of six children of West’s Couple.
Jerry’s father physically abused him, and West has said he slept with a loaded shotgun under his bed for a time, fearing he might have to defend himself.
Source: George Long/Sports Illustrated/Getty Images
Growing up, West liked hunting and fishing, but his main activity was shooting baskets at a hoop his neighbor had put up. He would shoot from every angle, even in bad weather, and often came home late, earning scoldings from his mother.
Quick Information on American basketball Legend: Jerry West
| Full Name | Jerry Alan West |
| Date of Birth | May 28, 1938 |
| Place of Birth | Chelyan, West Virginia, USA |
| Height | 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters) |
| Weight | 175 pounds (79 kg) |
| High School | East Bank High School, East Bank, West Virginia |
| College | West Virginia University (1956-1960) |
| NBA Draft | 1960, 1st round, 2nd overall pick by the Minneapolis Lakers |
| NBA Teams | Los Angeles Lakers (1960-1974) |
| Position | Shooting Guard / Point Guard |
| Jersey Number | 44 |
| Career Points | 25,192 (27.0 ppg) |
| Career Assists | 6,238 (6.7 apg) |
| Career Rebounds | 5,366 (5.8 rpg) |
| NBA Championships | 1 (1972) |
| All-Star Appearances | 14 (1961-1974) |
| All-NBA Teams | 12 times (10 First Team, 2 Second Team) |
| NBA Finals MVP | 1 (1969) |
| Hall of Fame Induction | 1980 |
| Nickname | “Mr. Clutch”, “The Logo” |
Jerry West’s Wife over the years
The NBA legend, Jerry West was married twice in his lifetime.
Meet Jerry West’s First Wife: Martha Jane Kane & their children
In April 1960, West married his college girlfriend, Martha Jane Kane.
The couple had three sons: David, Mark, and Michael.
West’s oldest son, David, was named after his brother, whom West called his “hero” and who died in the Korean War.
There is no proper information available on Jerry’s children, Mark and Michael, as they prefer to live out of the public eye.
After sixteen years of marriage, the couple divorced in 1976.
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Meet West’s present Wife: Karen West
On the occasion of his 40th birthday in 1978, Jerry West got married again. West and Karen met when she was working as a cheerleader in Los Angeles.
On May 28, 1978, he married Kristine “Karen” Bua. Even though Karen is 15 years younger than Jerry, they fell in love.
Karen worked as an assistant teacher in Los Angeles schools and also had a job at the State Controller’s office in California.
Jerry and Karen have two children together.
The couple have two sons named as Ryan and Jonnie.
Their first son, Ryan works as an executive for the Detroit Pistons.
And their second son, Jonnie played guard for West’s college team, the West Virginia Mountaineers. He is now the Director of Basketball Operations for the Golden State Warriors and married professional golfer Michelle Wie in 2019.
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Is Jerry West still alive?
Sadly, The NBA Legend Jerry West is no more.
West, known as the inspiration for the NBA’s current logo, has passed away at the age of 86, according to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers announced that West died Wednesday morning with his wife Karen by his side.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver paid tribute to West, calling him a basketball genius who shaped the league for over 60 years. Silver highlighted West’s achievements as an NBA champion and All-Star throughout his 14 seasons as a player.
“On behalf of the NBA, we extend our deepest condolences to Jerry’s wife, Karen, his family, and his many friends in the NBA community,” Silver said.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of Jerry’s passing,” said Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan through his representative. “He was truly a friend and mentor to me, like an older brother.”
Los Angeles Lakers Star, LeBorn James posted on his twitter saying, “Will truly miss our convos my dear friend! My thoughts and prayers goes out to your wonderful family! Forever love Jerry! Rest in Paradise my guy!”
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FAQs on Jerry West’s Family:
1. Who was Jerry West?
West was an American basketball legend born on May 28, 1938, in Chelyan, West Virginia. He played for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1960 to 1974 and was known for his skills as a shooting guard and point guard.
2. How many children did Jerry West have?
Jerry West had three sons with his first wife, Martha Jane Kane: David, Mark, and Michael. He later remarried Karen West and had two more sons: Ryan and Jonnie.
3. What is West famous for?
West is famous for his illustrious NBA career, where he won one championship, made 14 All-Star appearances, and was named to the All-NBA Team 12 times. He is also recognized as the inspiration for the NBA’s current logo.
4. Who is West’s current wife?
Jerry West’s second and final wife was Karen West (formerly Kristine “Karen” Bua). They married on May 28, 1978. Karen worked as an assistant teacher and had a role at the State Controller’s office in California.
5. When did Jerry West pass away?
Jerry West passed away on June 12, 2024, at the age of 86.
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