James Raymond Jordan Sr., better known as Michael’s father, was one of the most inspirational figures of the 20th century. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1936, he was an American professional basketball player, coach, and executive in the National Basketball Association. He was one of the most influential figures in the history of the game and served as the chairman of the NBA’s advisory committee for a number of years. Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.