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BORN
1938
DIED
2024
Jerry West Obituary
Jerry West was a three-time NBA Hall of Famer widely considered one of the best to ever play, as well as a successful executive who helped launch the career of iconic pro ballers like Kobe Bryant (1978–2020).
We invite you to share condolences for Jerry West in our Guest Book.
Read the full obituary in Legacy's headline news section.
(Photo: AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)
56 Entries
David Miller
May 1, 2025
Miller family sends their love the all the West family. Thinking of you David West. Camp Wahoo was the best summers of all time. Bless you all. David "Weenie" Miller
Coach Luther
January 7, 2025
Jerry West is Still the Best Every and will always be my Hero! We all miss him but know he is is a Great Place. ~RIP~ and You will never be Forgotten!
...........coach
Valenda Newell
January 5, 2025
One of the greatest players of all time. Known as "Mr. Clutch" he was absolutely incredible to watch. Thanks for all the memories!
Dustin mosher
September 10, 2024
What I´ve learned from Jerry is that success comes in many ways he lost a lot of nba finals but he is a legend and I think the nba should retire his number league wide in honor
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Lee Sopko
August 14, 2024
My brother and I watched the Lakers during playoffs in the 1970s. I am currently reading Jerry's autobiography West to West. May God bless his family at this difficult time. Know there are many people thinking of Jerry's family and the Lakers organization at this difficult time. Remarkable team and man who worked with legends such as Pat Riley, Wilt Chamberlain, Walt Frazier, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant.
Scott Figaro
July 8, 2024
A perfect example of how everyone should live their life.
Thank You Jerry West. Not just for being an iconic basketball player; but for also being an iconic human being. May You Rest In Peace. Condolences to anyone saddened by his passing. To TRULY Honor him; Lets Be Kind ALL The Time.
DE
June 24, 2024
Sending condolences to the West family and friends during this difficult time. May Almighty God comfort you and give you all the strength to cope with the grief and sorrow, that you will face in the coming days, months and years. I hope the fond memories of your dear loved one always be cherished.
RR
June 22, 2024
An incredible basketball player, such an outstanding career, on and off the court. He was a talented player and he was great at identifying talent as well, most notably Kobe Bryant. Sincere condolences to the West family, so very sorry for your loss. May God be with you all in your time of loss.
David Hyer
June 21, 2024
got to see mr. west play at the fieldhouse,favorite memories of Jerry were on the radio especially come from behind victories at kentucky invitational watched 59 championship at neighbors he grew with life very well inspite of the setbacks and never gave up. remember his sister Cookie. those were the days.
Matthew J. McGuire
June 20, 2024
Deepest condolences.
Ernest koschineg
June 20, 2024
I just bought a jerry west shirt from Amazon it is him shooting a jump shot in Memorial it will arrive in 2weeks. I will proudly wear it as I am 81 years old and loved the guy. My condolences to jane and Karen and children Ernie philadelphia
Lill Lin
June 19, 2024
Condolences to the family of Mr. Jerry West,
Your loved one, Jerry West, has left a full legacy that can never be forgotten. From the many endearing words on this site and everywhere, he was not only exceptional in basketball and in management positions but a genuine human being - as many on this guest book have attested to in their experiences with meeting him!
During times like this please remember you are not alone.
STEVE YOUNG
June 19, 2024
MY FATHER RON YOUNG WAS BORN IN BELLE, WEST VIRGINIA AND HE TOLD ME THAT HE WENT TO EAST BANK HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL GAMES TO WATCH JERRY WEST PLAY BASKETBALL GAMES AND THEN HE WAS EXCITED TO TELL ME THAT HE WOULD GO TO THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST VIRGINIA AND WATCH JERRY WEST PLAY BASKETBALL GAMES FOR THE WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS.
JERRY WEST IS MY FATHER'S FAVORITE BASKETBALL PLAYER OF ALL TIME.
IT IS REALLY GREAT THAT JERRY WEST IS FROM WEST VIRGINIA AND IT IS REALLY SO SPECIAL . AND IT IS WONDERFUL TO SEE THAT MY FATHER WAS BORN IN WEST VIRGINIA TOO.
JERRY WEST IS THE GREATEST BASKETBALL PLAYER IN THE HISTORY OF THE NBA AND JERRY WEST IS IN THE BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME.
I NOW UNDERSTAND WHY JERRY WEST IS SO WELL LIKED AND LOVED BY EVERYBODY IN THE STATE OF WEST VIRGINIA.
JERRY WEST IS ALWAYS VERY NICE AND VERY KIND TO ALL HIS FANS, HIS FRIENDS AND WITH HIS FAMILY.
JERRY WEST WOULD ALWAYS TAKE HIS TIME TO MEET, TO SHARE AND TALK TO EVERYBODY WHO WANTED TO TALK TO HIM AND MEET HIM IN PERSON AND HE GAVE AN AUTOGRAPH TO EVERYONE WHO WISH TOO HAVE ONE.
MEETING JERRY WEST IN PERSON MUST HAVE BEEN THE GREATEST JOY AND HAPPINESS THAT YOU COULD HAVE EVER WISHED FOR.
SO I AM A JERRY WEST LIFETIME FAN FOREVER ALL BECAUSE I HAVE A WONDERFUL FATHER WHO WAS SO HAPPY AND EXCITED TO BE A JERRY WEST FAN FOREVER TOO AND YOU WILL BE TOO.
Vince Tellez
June 18, 2024
Thank You for all the memories from 5 years old to 72 years old.
Coach Luther
June 18, 2024
Jerry West was my hero. I followed him through his West Virginia career and the NBA. I had the chance to see him play several times for the Lakers in Milwaukee. He was not one of the best he was the best. I just finished recently his book "West by West" and it was so good I wrote him a letter. Condolences to his wonderful family and he is in a great place. Rest in peace
.....Coach Luther
Henry Taylor
June 17, 2024
Jerry West is one of the greatest Basketball player in the history of the game RIP much love to you will never forget you such a great Legend.thank you very much.
Marc Showalter
June 17, 2024
Sitting with my Dad, both of us glued to the radio for the National Semi-Finals vs Louisville, and the Finals vs Cal. I was 7 years old at the time, and was transformed from a moderately competitive youngster who hadn´t often played any of the " major" sports and who didn´t understand what WVU was into a lover of basketball, a super fan of WVU, and a 7 year old who thought that Jerry West was, along with my Dad, the absolute greatest! The greatest part is that for the next SIXTY FIVE YEAR JERRY WEST NEVER LET ME DOWN!! He was an is an embodiment of an extra amount of goodness sent to Earth by our Creator. Thank you for EVERYTHING Jerry!!
Bruce Brian
June 17, 2024
Jerry West kindly signed a couple of basketballs for me several years ago on 2 different occasions. I told him that, based on the players that I had seen play, he was on my all-time team, along with Oscar Robertson, Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant. He and I both knew that was against the grain of what most people say today, but was very appreciative and thanked me profusely for my words. He treated me with great respect, and I am very sorry to hear of his passing.
Ken Stewart
June 17, 2024
Jerry West was my favorite basketball player when I was growing up as a youngster in L.A. during the 60's and early 70's, and I consider him one of the 10 greatest basketball players in NBA history. He could shoot, pass, rebound, assist, he was a top defensive player as well, he always played at a higher level in the playoffs, and if a game was on the line with just a few seconds left on the clock, you wanted the ball in Jerry's hands because there was a good chance he'd score, hence the nickname "Mr. Clutch." As great a player as Jerry was, which is reflected in his being named an All-Star ever year he played, he was equally as good as a general manager, putting together the Showtime championship teams of the 80's and bringing Shaq and Kobe to L.A to win a few more titles, and as an evaluator of talent, nobody was better than Jerry. Arguably, he had more of an impact on the NBA than any other player or individual in history. He deserves to be the "logo" and he will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Jerry!
STEVE YOUNG
June 17, 2024
JERRY WEST YOU ARE A VERY WONDERFUL BASKETBALL PLAYER THAT IS REALLY GREAT. YOU ARE A KIND, GENTLE, WARM AND LOVING PERSON. I AM GLAD YOU ARE FROM WEST VIRGINIA. MY DAD IS FROM BELLE, WEST VIRGINIA AND YOU JERRY WEST IS HIS FAVORITE BASKETBALL PLAYER OF ALL TIME.
JERRY WEST YOU ARE THE GREATEST BASKETBALL PLAYER IN THE NBA HISTORY. I REALLY ENJOYED WATCHING YOU PLAY BASKETBALL FOR THE LAKERS. I CARE ABOUT YOU.
YOU ARE VERY NICE AND KIND. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE JOY AND HAPPINESS IN NBA BASKETBALL GAMES YOU MAKE ME HAPPY.
Oscar Espinoza
June 16, 2024
RIP
Sharon Samples
June 16, 2024
My husband worked at Charleston YMCA in the summer 1960 - 61. He stated Jerry would practice and always take time out for fans & was a complete gentleman.
Cathy Millisor
June 16, 2024
We grew up neighbors with Jerry in Cheylan, WVA. He daily played with my brother, Howard Millisor. Jerry spent lots of time playing basketball with Howard at a dirt court at our garage. He was at my house everyday. My mom even taught Jerry how to drive a car. This picture is Jerry and Howard
about 1955 at my grandmother's house in Cabin Creek WVAIt's sad to learn of his passing. He will be missed.
Ed Mckay
June 16, 2024
Mr.Clutch was my idol growing up in the 60´s. What a competitor!! Then putting together the Lakers team of the 80´s with Magic and company following with Shaq and Kobe in the 90´s. Jerry is the reason I will always be a true purple and gold Laker fan for life! Rest in peace Jerry. Ed
Michael Lemmie
June 15, 2024
R.IP. Mr Logo
Tim Davis
June 15, 2024
Rest in peace Mr Clutch. You were an American Legend and a true gentleman.
There should be more men like you in the world today.
I loved when you came on the Dan Patrick Show. I loved the stories you would share.
You will be missed Mr. West.
faithtobin/brad j. tobin/herscot
June 15, 2024
Dear West Family my beau Brad Herscot and Faith Tobin wish to extend our condolences's to the family.he'll surely be missed and may he rest in peace.best faith/brad
Augster Clutch
June 15, 2024
Favorite ball player growing up. Very gracious human being. Had a chance to meet him few years ago outside LA Live and posed a photo with him. One of my favorite LA Star Athlete along with Baylor, Gabriel, Koufax, Magic, Scully, Hearn, Kareem, Wooden, Kobe. An LA Institution & Icon. Forever Eternal Peace!
Mark Ives
June 15, 2024
Wow .what a man. I'm 64 and he was part of my upbringing watching him. Glad he was during my time ..prayers
Ms. Karen Scott
June 15, 2024
I had the honor of meeting Mr. West in Atlanta during an NBA event in the 1970s. He was truly an honorable gentleman and a star player. I have always admired his skills, his demeanor, and his dedication to excellence and class as an athlete. May he rest in peace. My sincerest sympathies and prayers to his family, friends, and colleagues.
Gary Pash
June 14, 2024
Jerry West established pro basketball in Los Angeles, no offense to Elgin and Chick Hearn.
Debbie Skaggs
June 14, 2024
Jerry made lifelong friends with my Dad, Bud Humphrey, at the Greenbrier Hotel many years ago. They fished, played golf and shot Skeet. When my Dad passed away in 2015, Jerry came to his wake and paid respects to all of the family. In 2016 in the 1000 year flood, my mom lost her house and all of her possessions. Jerry stepped up and got her house rebuilt and furnished. There are not enough kind words to say about this man. My heart is broken, I wish I could tell Karen how sorry I am. RIP BOSS44
Debbie (Bud Humphrey's oldest daughter)
Brian Sadler
June 14, 2024
Larger than Life NBA Icon! Literally the Logo! Awesome Friend! Client! #MrClutch #TheLogo #JerryWest #44
Julia Ann
June 14, 2024
I became a Laker's fan at 10 years old.. Although, Jerry West was before my time..I still believe..He was a top 10 Greatest Of All Time Player and will always be.
Steve Jarrett
June 14, 2024
I was at a church service in Charleston West Virginia on a hot summer night in 1975 or 76. My Grandmother and my mom were there also (OF COURSE!) and when the service was over we were all standing outside chatting.
My grandmother called me over to introduce some man to me to some man she knew, who had something to do with Jerry West, I would have been 14-15 years old. Next thing I knew Jerry walked up and stood between me and the other guy I'd just been introduced to.
Jerry was friendly with everyone that walked over, shaking hands, smiling, chatting - seemed like a great guy. After about 20-30 minutes of this, I felt his hand on my shoulder (pulling me towards him, like a half hug) and announced, they had to go. Good man, with a great heart.
D. Black
June 14, 2024
There's so many that focusing on one is not possible. The world has lost a great spirit. May he rest in peace.
Deborah Srb
June 14, 2024
I was blessed to have shared 3 dinners with Jerry, when he was in Denver with his team many years ago. Jerry was such a wonderful gentleman, who was very easy to be around. I am so sad that he is gone. Life hasn´t seemed the same since I heard the news.
Tom Pulchinski
June 13, 2024
Thank you for being part of my Life. I always enjoyed our interactions about the operations of the LA golf tournament at Riviera. Hope I can live up to your expectations. You’ll be embarrassed my next statement. But, you have been my inpetation to do my job the very best that I could. Rest in Peace Jerry,
Tom
Ralph E. Bennett II
June 13, 2024
Mr. Jerry West had influences far beyond the knowable. For this reason, the deepest condolences are extended to the West family and friends.
It may come as ironic, but Mr. Clutch was my favorite NBA basketball player and always will be. Living in North Reading, Massachusetts, my home was about a mile from Bill Russell´s in Reading, MA. My brother and I became serious Celtics fans who regularly watched Jerry, Elgin and company provide the best basketball for our fandom in the 60s and early 70s.
Let´s be clear here. Number 44 has the most beautiful and effective jump shot any kid could pattern his shooting after. As this boy´s high school experience happened, Jerry was most often there to bring his Lakers to Beantown to knock off our team. It was almost a ritual that both Elgin, Jerry and company would keep us on the edgar of our seats until the final game´s buzzer sounded.
The desire to continue my basketball experience college in the 60s was also partnered with the Laker/Celtic rivalry. Never was the seriousness of this competition lessened due to the competitiveness these playoffs provided. It gave young men a model of these intense ultimate competitive . His image in the iconic logo only scratched the importance he represented.
For me, it provided the determination to compete at the college level, earn a degree to teach, coach college athletes and earn a degree to have a 40 year teaching career in public education. His contribution to showing others the way will always be cherished beyond words. He remains the hero of what bringing you best to the challenges in life.
In my mind, you won more important awards molding the lives of others.
Steve Anthony
June 13, 2024
R.I.P. Jerry. Thank you for putting WV on the map. Zeke from Cabin Creek.
Mr. Clutch
Brenda J. Anselene
June 13, 2024
He was one of the bright stars to hail from West Virginia, which is also my home state. Proud of him and his many accomplishments. He never forgot his roots.
Magic Johnson
June 13, 2024
it was about 1979 when I met Jerry I was signing my contract with the Lakers I will never forget that moment
Kevin Hall
June 13, 2024
Jerry was a Humble Wonderful Friend to so many!! God bless Jerry West and his family !!
Kevin Hayes
June 13, 2024
I had his poster on my bedroom wall from age 8 until we moved at age 16. He was my basketball idol who never let me down. I'm from Tacoma, WA. Even though the Sonics came to Seattle in 1967, I kept my allegiance to Jerry West and those Laker squads. Still do.
I went into the black trough with him after every Laker loss. I've tried to model my life on his determination, toughness, selflessness. Minus the freakish athleticism of course.
Terry Starsick
June 13, 2024
He could always hit the clutch shot one of the best ever.
William Bayliss
June 13, 2024
Jerry West brought PRIDE to the state of West Virginia. As a native son, he put the state on the map. Everybody knew who Jerry West was. He was the international ambassador of basketball. His basketball skills were phenomenal and he was regarded as one of the best players by his peers to have ever played the game. Jerry West was all about winning and he played for the love of the game. It was never about fame or fortune. He was never like the players today who are more interested in shoe contracts and pushing their own agendas with communist countries like China. Jerry West was a National Treasure that will be truly missed by all. God Bless you Jerry West for all the joy you brought us in the world of basketball. You are and always will be # 44 on the jersey and program, but # 1 in our hearts forever.
William Bayliss
( living in Wilmington ,NC )
from St. Albans, WV )
Lee Sopko
June 13, 2024
The 1972 NBA games against the NY Knicks. My brother and I watched the games together. It was wonderful to see him received a medal from a president several years ago. May his family know he is loved by many. Our local radio station aired an interview with him 12 years ago. The radio station was thankful they were able to connect with him.
Colby Taylor
June 13, 2024
Caddied for him several times at The Greenbrier. Genuine nice guy, good golfer, lots of good stories Mickey Mantle and other greats. Thankyou for all you did for WV
Debbe Frick
June 13, 2024
When I was at Lewis County high school Around 1968 we had an assembly in the gym and Jerry West was in town. Our coach went to Jerry and got him out of bed to come to the school to speak to the students. I will never forget that day
Elizabeth Bell
June 12, 2024
RIP Jerry West my condolences
Darryl Franks
June 12, 2024
"Mr. Clutch"
SoCal Kid
June 12, 2024
One of the giants, in all of sports. It was a privilege and a joy to see him play on a regular basis. An admirable and noble gentleman, who will always be an exemplar for excellence and decency. "Mr. Clutch," "Zeke from Cabin Creek," "The Logo," and simply one of the greatest ever.
The Alex Dandy's
June 12, 2024
"May You Rest In Peace"
Harry Simpson
June 12, 2024
Godspeed Jerry, a long life well lived, and wonderful college and NBA basketball memories. Unforgettable. Thank you Jerry, and again, unforgettable.
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