“He never got to see my kids grow up” – Michael Jordan opens up about the biggest regret he carries from his father’s murder

“He never got to see my kids grow up” – Michael Jordan opens up about the biggest regret he carries from his father’s murder originally appeared on Basketball Network.

To say that James Jordan played a significant role in molding the man, myth and legend that Michael Jordan became would be an understatement.

James played a pivotal role in shaping his son’s extraordinary journey, from encouraging his son to stick out his tongue in concentration on the basketball court to influencing his choice to remain with Nike despite considering other sportswear brands.

But perhaps the most poignant and heartbreaking moment in their relationship came when James passed away in July 1993, a victim of a senseless murder at a highway rest stop in North Carolina. According to Michael, the tragedy left him with many regrets, with one standing out more than the others.

Kids never got to spend a lot of time with grandpa

George Kohler, Mike’s close friend and trusted member of the latter’s select inner circle, still remembers the details of the day James was supposed to arrive in Chicago. He had called the previous night and asked George if he could pick him up at O’Hare International Airport. He got there on time but was surprised not to see James there.

After waiting a while and still seeing no sign of the elder Jordan, Kohler called Deloris Jordan, hoping to get a bead on his location. They assumed he had missed his flight. Worry began to creep in after a few more hours and still no sign or word from James.

More than a week passed before James’ body was discovered in a South Carolina swamp, abandoned by the same individuals who shot him during the carjacking of his Lexus.

James’ passing devastated his family, especially Michael, who lamented how his kids never got to fully experience the love and wisdom of their grandfather.

“He never got to see my kids grow up,” MJ stated. “He died in ’93. Jasmine was a year old. Marcus was 3 years old. Jeffrey was 5 years old.”

George always kept James close

James, a warm and sociable man, easily befriended the members of his son’s close-knit circle. However, he shared an especially strong bond with George, the man who drove Michael to the Chicago Bulls’ training camp in 1984. As the Bulls won their first NBA title in 1991, Michael gave close friends and family members replicas of the championship ring that every member of the team received.

George, however, decided to lock the ring he received in a safe place, fearing it might be stolen. James, though, would have none of it.

“Where’s your ring? My son didn’t spend his money to have you put that s—t in a drawer,” James told George.

“After what happened to him, I wear the ring,” George somberly said.

Shared a passion for Westerns

While basketball was a common ground for James and Mike, one pastime they truly enjoyed was watching old Western movies. From John Wayne classics to Clint Eastwood’s spaghetti westerns, the two would often spend hours discussing their favorite scenes and characters.

“The thing we’d do… we’d stay up all night and watch cowboy movies. Westerns,” Michael revealed. “I watch ’em all the time. I watch Marshal Dillon. I watch all of ’em.”

MJ and George also discuss how James’ personal favorite was the 1992 hit “Unforgiven,” which featured Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, and Gene Hackman.

“My father loved that,” Mike stated.

Decades have passed since James’ untimely demise. Still, the bond he and Michael shared over their love for hoops and westerns remains a cherished memory for the Jordan family. Mike’s children never got to spend a lot of time with their grandpa, but they know him well through the stories passed down by their father.