James R. Jordan Sr. *James Jordan pictured with son Michael Jordan* http://www.eurweb.com/?p=44437 James Jordan Sr., family man and father of famous basketball star Michael Jordan, was killed while napping in his red Lexus off the side of the road in Lumberton, NC on July 23, 1993. He was shot and killed by two teenage thieves who stole his car and left his corpse in a creek nearby, only 8 days before turning 57. James Jordan was married to Deloris Jordan. He fathered 5 children; 3 boys: James Jr., Larry, and Michael, and 2 girls: Deloris and Roslyn. He was known best as the loving, proud, supportive father and best friend of Michael Jordan. Many said that James was a kind man with a bright outlook on life who was also a strong family man. James was a special type of friend, once you became friends, you always remained friends. Besides his personality, many would defend his title as Michael's number one fan. Michael once said of his father, "He's my best friend" (James Jordan Obituary). Working for General Electric as a forklift operator, James eventually worked his way up the company ladder to supervisor. However, in 1963 he and his family moved to Brooklyn, NY in order for James to study hydraulics and become a mechanic specializing in automatic transmissions. Here, the future superstar was born. Later in life, James and Deloris started sports apparel and other business chains such as the three Flight 23 by Jordan apparel stores in Charlotte, and JVL Enterprises in Rock Hill, SC. However, besides working on automobiles, Jordan was good with his hands. He built and repaired numerous things around their home, such as a basketball court. James was a catalyst to his son's future basketball stardom. He built his sons a half-court outside of their home which quickly turned into a full court when 15-20 people began showing up to play at a time. Whist focusing and working on projects around the home, James would stick his tongue out in habit. This habit was made famous by Michael who picked it up from his father. Michael was known for sticking his tongue out while throwing down the rock in a tremendous slam dunk. "James Jordan was born July 31, 1936 in Wallace, N.C., the son of a share-cropper" (James Jordan Obituary). This is where he met his future wife Deloris while playing basketball with her brothers and cousins. James R. Jordan Sr. is survived by his wife Deloris Jordan, his five children of whom he was extremely proud of all: James Jr., Larry, Michael, Deloris, and Roslyn, along with three grandchildren, Jeffrey, Marcus, and Jasmine Jordan, children of Michael Jordan and his wife, Juanita. Citations: "James Jordan was Michael's 'no. 1' fan and a father who stressed family values - Obituary." Bnet. CBS Interactive, 2010. Web. 12 Mar. 2011. <http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_n18_v84/ai_14330329/?tag=ccontent;col 1>. "Michael Jordan - Related Biography: Father James Jordan." sports.jrank.org. Net Industries, 2011. Web. 27 Feb. 2011. <http://sports.jrank.org/pages/2390/Jordan-Michael-RelatedBiography-Father-James-Jordan.html>.