It was 1990 or 1991. My parents loaded me into my car seat and we embarked on the seemingly endless trek from our SE Portland home to Washington Square in SW Portland. It seemed like we would never arrive. The anticipation was rising. We were headed across town to stand in line, in hopes of meeting my childhood idol, Jerome Kersey.
That day is one of my earliest memories. We waited for what felt like an eternity and finally reached where he was seated signing autographs. He signed a poster and the Trail Blazers tank top that I was wearing that day, both of which still hang on my wall.
Throughout the past couple years covering the Blazers, I have been blessed enough to have had limited interactions with Jerome. He was always the friendliest guy around, had a smile that could light up a room, and never shied away from attention from the fans.
An ambassador for the Trail Blazers, he was a dedicated mentor and advocate for the city. He embodied the spirit of Rip City. The day before he passed, he was with Blazer ambassadors Terry Porter and Brian Grant at a local high school speaking about Black History Month.
As great of a guy Jerome was, he was just as good on the court. The late-80s and early-90s were prime years in Portland, reigniting the spirit of ’77, and putting Portland basketball back on the map. Seeing Jerome, Clyde Drexler, Terry Porter, Cliff Robinson, Buck Williams and the rest of the clan brings back extremely nostalgic visions and memories for many.
People will talk about Jerome’s performance in the dunk contest against Michael Jordan, the team’s run to 2 NBA Finals in 3 years, and Jerome’s grittiness on the court. The one thing that was never in question was just how much Jerome loved the game … and how much the city of Portland loved Jerome.
Former teammate Clyde Drexler said of Jerome’s passing, “It is a huge loss for the Portland community. He was the greatest guy, the nicest friend, teammate and brother. He was loved by everyone. We will all miss him. He just cared so much. This is unbelievable.”
While shock and disbelief spread across Portland as the news began to trickle out about his passing, things were sharply put into perspective. The trade deadline, injury reports, and losses no longer mattered. The memories, words of love, and prayers for Jerome and his family transcended the rest.
Despite being able to have some interaction with Jerome, I was never able to swallow my pride and tell him about having him sign my jersey as a toddler. I never told him that I begged my parents to name each of my brothers after him. Wanting to show some type of professionalism as an aspiring journalist, unfortunately now I will never have that chance.
Kersey is survived by his wife Teri, who he just married in September of 2013, and their 4 children.
Jerome, you will never be forgotten.
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