KANAWHA COUNTY, WV (WOWK) – The Mountain State and the sports world are mourning the passing of West Virginia native and NBA legend Jerry West.
West was a star basketball player at the collegiate and professional levels whose silhouette was used for the NBA logo. He died at the age of 86, West Virginia University said on X, formerly Twitter.
Jerry West was a basketball genius and a defining figure in our league for more than 60 years.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver
With the news of his passing, multiple friends and fans from across the state and the sports world are sharing messages of mourning and of love for his family.
West Virginia native, basketball legend Jerry West dies at 86
In his semi-regular press briefing, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice took some time to remember his friend’s love for his home state with a poignant message about how Weest never forgot his roots and how his heart never hardened, despite the fame that came with his incredible talent.
“This was a good man. A man that loved West Virginia beyond good sense, in every way. A man that told me so many times the people of West Virginia what makes us what we are is that we’re real,” Justice said. “He said so many times, in Los Angeles, people are trying to show off with how much plastic they have in their pockets. Absolutely, they want to just show off all the time about trying to impress somebody with how much money they have, but the people of West Virginia are real, and absolutely, he loved all of us. So don’t forget Jerry West, please.”
West’s alma mater WVU also shared a message from their men’s basketball team.
PHOTOS: West Virginia native, basketball star Jerry West throughout the years
“West Virginia University mourns the passing of the legendary Jerry West, an iconic figure in basketball history. Forever a Mountaineer.”
WVU President Gordon Gee shared the tweet, honoring a man who was a “true legend” and one of a kind.
“As the basketball world mourns the man known simply as “the logo,” I join all West Virginians and members of the West Virginia University family in remembering a true legend. There will never be another Jerry West,” Gee said.
Fellow NBA icon LeBron James showed his love on X, formerly Twitter saying, “Will truly miss our convos my dear friend! My thoughts and prayers go out to your wonderful family! Forever love Jerry! Rest in Paradise my guy!”
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LeBron James continued in a second post, “My mentor, My friend! Hopefully I continue to make you proud. You’re already missed!”
Another NBA legend, Earvin “Magic” Johnson shared a lengthy post honoring West. He said in part:
“Every time I achieved a goal or crossed a milestone, one of the first calls I received was from Jerry West. When I started my business, was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame, was named Lakers President of Basketball Operations – he would always pick up the phone and give me a personalized call to congratulate me.”
“Today is a sad day for basketball fans and sports fans across the globe.”
Earvin “Magic” Johnson
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also released a statement on West’s passing, saying in part:
“I valued my friendship with Jerry and the knowledge he shared with me over many years about basketball and life. On behalf of the NBA, we send our deepest condolences to Jerry’s wife, Karen, his family and his many friends in the NBA community.”
US Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) called West a “pillar” of the state’s culture, offering prayers to his family.
“Gayle and I are devastated to learn of the passing of our dear, dear friend, Jerry West. When you think of basketball, you think of Jerry West, and it is only fitting his legacy has been forever commemorated in the organization’s logo,” Manchin said. “Jerry was a pillar of West Virginia culture and never forgot his roots. To his core, Jerry was a West Virginian with an unbeatable work ethic and resilience like no other. He was a great friend and a world-class representative for both the NBA and for West Virginia. Our hearts and prayers are with his wife, Karen, his sons, Ryan, Jonnie, Mark, David, and Michael, and all of his loved ones as they mourn this tremendous loss.”
US Senator Shelley Moore Capito also took to X to honor West.
“Jerry West will forever be a West Virginia icon. A native of Chelyan in Kanawha County, Jerry made West Virginia incredibly proud through his continued contributions to our state and the game of basketball. Thinking of his family, loved ones, and all those he impacted throughout his life,” she said.
Fellow West Virginia celebrity Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. also shared his condolences for the family of “The Logo.”
“R.I.P. to ‘The Logo!’ Forever a proud #WestVirginian Sending love and support to his family and friends during this difficult time.”