Michael Jordan Has 4 Siblings – Meet His 2 Brothers and 2 Sisters

Legendary basketball player Michael Jordan is the fourth oldest of five children, three boys, and two girls, born to James Snr. and Deloris Jordan. His siblings are James Jnr., Deloris, Larry, and Roslyn.

James Jnr. is the oldest of the brood. He has a distinguished military career lasting over three decades, recognized even by top officials in the U.S. government, including former presidents. He is followed by Deloris, who had various run-ins with her family from the 1980s to 1990s.

Larry is known for being one of the key people who motivated Michael to become arguably the most outstanding basketball player ever. Their sibling rivalry at a young age was crucial to Michael’s development. The youngest, Roslyn, is a counselor who uses her faith in God to help people with their mental health.

Michael Jordan attends the Jordan Brand at The W Hotel on February 12, 2009, in Phoenix, AZ | Source: Getty Images

James Jordan Jr. (Ronnie)

Another of the Jordan family that has represented the USA is Michael’s older brother, James Jr. However, unlike his brother, who represented the country on the sports field, he carried out his service on the battlefield, primarily by training and getting American soldiers ready for combat.

James Jnr. is a retired army Sergeant Major whose achievements in the military were praised by his superiors and those he taught. Some high-level people, including former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, participated in his retirement festivities. The three-day celebration took place at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.

Deloris and Michael Jordan on “Superstars And Their Moms” in 1988 | Source: Getty Images

One notable absentee on the first day of the festivities, held in 2006, was James Jnr’s most popular relative, Michael Jordan. His absence was because their mother saw it fit for him to miss the first day so that he wouldn’t take the attention away from his brother due to his presence.

She wanted all her children to have their day in the sun and none to overshadow the other. That is why she ensured that they all attended each other’s activities when they were growing up. The boys went to see the girls play soccer, while the girls returned the favor by watching their brother play basketball.

Deloris and Michael Jordan on “Superstars And Their Moms” in 1988 | Source: Getty Images

Deloris Jordan

One of the girls the Jordan boys would watch while they played soccer is Michael’s older sister, Deloris. She is the second oldest of the Jordan brood. She noted that she had trouble staying sane during insane times when she got separated from her second husband and lost her father amid bitterness between her and her family.

In 2001, she released a book titled “In My Family’s Shadow: Sister of Sports Phenomenon Michael Jordan,” in which she described her struggles with her family. She said they had “criticized, ridiculed and ostracized” her but was determined to resolve the issues and reconnect with them.

Deloris is a native of North Carolina but resided in Pennsylvania for much of her adult life. In 2001, when the book was released, she was a divorced mother of three who saw writing as an outlet for her struggles. However, bringing her story to life was challenging and seemed unbearable sometimes, but she refused to give up.

Michael Jordan speaks to the press before accepting his 1996 N.B.A. Finals Most Valuable Player award at the Fairmont Hotel in Chicago, Illinois in June 1996 | Source: Getty Images

Larry Jordan

Michael credited his sibling rivalry with his older brother (by a mere 11 months), Larry, as one of the key ingredients of his success. The battles with his brother, motivated by his desire to get his father’s attention and approval, pushed Michael to pursue greatness and be better than his brother.

Larry was no pushover, as he also displayed great athletic ability when he was younger. Michael is said to have picked the number 23 as a sign that he wanted to be half as good as Larry, who wore the number 45. However, it was only a matter of time before Michael’s superior talent was displayed, and Larry recognized it early.

Michael Jordan signs autographs and greets fans at Sportmart in Chicago, Illinois in April 1988 | Source: Getty Images

Larry and Michael both played basketball and even shared the court for one season during their university days. Although their career paths went in different directions after Michael became arguably the most successful person to play the game, his older brother insists that he does not feel any resentment. He has explained:

“We played one year of varsity basketball together when I was a senior and Michael was a junior, and that’s when his play just went to another level. People ask me all the time if it bothered me, but I can honestly say no, because I had the opportunity to see him grow. I knew how hard he worked.”

Michael Jordan bites on his jersey during a break in the action in 1st half at MCI Center on February 28, 1998 | Source: Getty Images

Despite being very athletic in his youth, Larry pursued a career away from the sports fields and courts. He, at one stage, co-owned a sportswear shop alongside his father before James Snr’s death. During his interview with ESPN in 2009, his career was noted as a regional sales manager for Upper Deck.

Through all the sibling rivalry, fights, and the pursuit of different career paths, the Jordan brothers have remained close. The bond they formed when they were young has remained intact, and the memories are firmly instilled in their hearts and minds. Larry is arguably Michael Jordan‘s biggest fan.

Michael Jordan playing for the U.S. Men’s Basketball team playing at 1984 Olympics at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum | Source: Getty Images

Roslyn Jordan

The youngest of the Jordans is Roslyn. She works as a mental health counselor focusing on the Christian faith. She uses her beliefs to strengthen other people in their various works of life by creating a solid foundation of identity and stewarding their relationships and lives in ways aligned with God’s teachings.

Her Optimum Joy profile says, “I work with clients to help them gain clarity and focus in their current situations and lives. I collaborate with you to identify ways to engage and respond to life issues in the pursuit of wellness and with the understanding that, as one created in the image of God, you have great value and worth.”

Michael Jordan and Michael Phelps at Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational golf tournament at Shadow Creek on April 6, 2013, in North Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images

Roslyn has received extensive education in the arts and science of counseling. She graduated with a bachelor of science degree in Industrial Relations, with a focus on Psychology, from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

She continued her education by doing a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling at Trinity International University. Additionally, she holds a certificate for Traumatology Training from Green Cross Academy of Trauma and a Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois.

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