Michael Jordan Family Tree: The Story Behind The NBA's Greatest

Michael Jeffrey Jordan, born 17 February 1963 in Brooklyn, New York City, USA (raised in Wilmington, North Carolina), is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time — six-time NBA Champion (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998 with Chicago Bulls), six-time Finals MVP, five-time NBA MVP, two-time Olympic gold medalist (1984, 1992). Sold his Charlotte Hornets stake in 2023 for $3 billion.

The Family's Roots: An African-American Southern Family

The Jordan family is African-American, with deep roots in North Carolina.

His Parents

Father: James R. Jordan Sr. (1936–1993) — General Electric supervisor; murdered on 23 July 1993 in a roadside robbery in North Carolina — a devastating loss that triggered Michael's first basketball retirement.

Mother: Deloris Peoples Jordan (born 1941) — bank teller; raised the family; founded the James R. Jordan Foundation after her husband's death.

His Siblings

James "Ronnie" Jordan Jr. — elder brother; US Army veteran.

Larry Jordan, born 1962 — elder brother; the brother Michael says he aspired to outperform; played one season in pro basketball (CBA).

Deloris Jordan, born 1964 — younger sister.

Roslyn Jordan, born 1965 — younger sister.

His First Wife: Juanita Vanoy

Juanita Vanoy Jordan — married Michael in September 1989; divorced December 2006. Reported $168 million divorce settlement.

Their Children

Jeffrey Michael Jordan, born November 1988 — son; entrepreneur (Heir Jordan).

Marcus Jordan, born December 1990 — son; entrepreneur (Trophy Room sneaker store, Orlando).

Jasmine Mickael Jordan, born December 1992 — daughter; works at Brand Jordan / Nike.

His Second Wife: Yvette Prieto

Yvette Prieto Jordan — Cuban-American model; Michael's second wife from April 2013.

Twins with Yvette

Victoria and Ysabel Jordan, born February 2014 — twin daughters.

The Jordan Family Tree at a Glance

Family Origins: African-American; Brooklyn-born, Wilmington-raised.

Father: James R. Jordan Sr. (1936–1993) — murdered 1993.

Mother: Deloris Peoples Jordan (b. 1941) — Jordan Foundation founder.

Siblings: James Jr.; Larry; Deloris (b. 1964); Roslyn (b. 1965).

First Wife: Juanita Vanoy (m. September 1989, div. December 2006).

Children: Jeffrey (b. November 1988); Marcus (b. December 1990); Jasmine (b. December 1992).

Second Wife: Yvette Prieto (m. April 2013).

Twin Daughters: Victoria and Ysabel (b. February 2014).

Michael Jordan:

  • Born 17 February 1963, Brooklyn
  • Laney High School (Wilmington); University of North Carolina (1981–84) — game-winning shot vs Georgetown, 1982 NCAA Final
  • Drafted 3rd overall by Chicago Bulls, 1984 NBA Draft
  • NBA Rookie of the Year: 1984–85
  • NBA Championships: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998 — three-peat ×2 — all with Chicago Bulls
  • Finals MVP: all 6 championships
  • NBA MVP: 1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998
  • All-Star: 14 times; All-Star Game MVP × 3
  • Scoring titles: 10 (record)
  • Olympic gold: 1984 (LA), 1992 (Barcelona — "Dream Team")
  • Brief baseball career (Birmingham Barons, 1994); brief NBA return with Washington Wizards (2001–03)
  • Owner of Charlotte Bobcats / Hornets: 2010–2023 (sold majority stake for $3+ billion)
  • Air Jordan (Nike): launched 1985 — became an athletic-shoe empire ($6+ billion annual revenue)
  • Inducted Basketball Hall of Fame: 2009

What the Jordan Family Story Teaches Us

A General-Electric-supervisor father murdered in 1993 — leading to Michael's brief first retirement. A bank-teller mother who built a foundation in her husband's name. Four siblings, including a brother (Larry) Michael cited as his earliest competitive motivation. Two marriages. Five children. A career and a brand that define an entire sport.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Jordan story carries the same lesson. Family loss can pause even the greatest career. Michael's first retirement (1993) after his father's murder is on the Jordan family record alongside every championship. Write down what made each person take a break. The interruptions are part of the story.

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