Gloria James, the mother of NBA star LeBron James, was born in Akron, Ohio, to Freda and Cantona James on February 4, 1968. She has dedicated herself professionally to philanthropy and community work.
Her mother, Freda, worked as a hairstylist, while little information was publicly available about her father, Cantona. Gloria has two younger brothers, Curt and Terry James.
Although Gloria and Anthony McClelland, the father of LeBron James, were never married, they share a son, LeBron James, who is a renowned basketball player with the Los Angeles Lakers. Gloria also has a stepson named Aaron McClelland, who is an entrepreneur and the founder of Gamble Capital.
LeBron James and his wife, Savannah James, have three children: their eldest, Bronny, their second child, Bryce, and their youngest, Zhuri. Among them, Nova James is showing interest in basketball, while Zhuri Nova has a penchant for fashion.
Freda and Cantona James hold the maternal great-grandparent roles for LeBron James’ children. This overview provides a detailed glimpse into Gloria James’s life and family, emphasizing her pivotal role as the mother of one of basketball’s most celebrated athletes. Below is a photo featuring LeBron James’s parents.
Meet the parents of LeBron James. They are widely known because their son is a celebrity.
Gloria James Bio:
Growing up in Akron, Ohio, Gloria James had a troubled childhood. She had LeBron James when she was just 16. Her family, including her two brothers, Curt James and Terry James and her mom, Freda James, often moved homes in Akron, and Gloria had a hard time finding steady jobs.
Gloria and her son LeBron James were both smiling—a look back at the early days of a future basketball star. At that time, LeBron was eight years old. Image Credit: Instagram.
When LeBron was nine, Gloria let him live with Frank Walker, a local coach who introduced him to basketball. Sadly, Gloria’s mom passed away from a heart attack when Gloria was 19, leaving her to take care of LeBron and her brothers.
She struggled financially because she didn’t finish school. In 2003, right before LeBron joined the NBA, Gloria got him a $50,000 Hummer H2 for his birthday. She reportedly took a loan for this big gift.
Gloria James Job:
To begin with, Gloria James holds the position of Vice President at the LeBron James Family Foundation, an organization dedicated to aiding underprivileged kids in her native city of Akron, Ohio.
Gloria James, LeBron’s mom, is also the Vice President of the LeBron James Family Foundation. In February 2022, she started the first-ever House of Glo All-Star Experience.
This event is all about showing off Black fashion designers, supporting social justice, and helping Central State University, the only public HBCU in Northwest Ohio. Her goal with this event is to give back to the community and say thanks to people who have supported her in the past.
Gloria James stands united with them in the essence of family and sportsmanship, marking a memorable first HBCU Classic. Image Credit: Instagram.
Beyond her role at the foundation, Gloria is deeply involved in various charities, working to improve community life. She’s a regular at her grandsons’ basketball games, often sharing her excitement and pride on social media, especially Instagram.
LeBron James credits the establishment of the I Promise School, a key project of the foundation, to his mother, Gloria’s tireless efforts and commitment. On Instagram, Gloria often posts loving photos with her grandchildren, clearly showing the close and affectionate relationship they share.
Gloria James Mother- Freda James:
Freda James was a kind and well-liked hairstylist in her Akron neighbourhood. She lived with her daughter, Gloria, in a big house on Hickory Street in Akron, Ohio. Freda was known for being nice to everyone and active in her community.
Sadly, she passed away from a heart attack on Christmas Day in 1987, just a week before her grandson LeBron’s third birthday.
Her death had a big impact on the family, especially on daughter Gloria and young LeBron, as he was just starting to grow up. Freda’s passing was a significant event for her family and friends, and she is fondly remembered by all who knew her.
Gloria James’ net worth:
Gloria James’s financial assets are believed to be valued at approximately $2 million, with an annual income surpassing $100,000. This comes from her success as a businesswoman and being LeBron James’s mom, which has brought her fame and financial success.
In other words, her work in business and her connection to a famous athlete like LeBron have really helped her financially.
Gloria James height:
Gloria James, widely recognized for her philanthropic and community contributions in the United States, is 5ft and 5in tall and has a weight close to 110 pounds. Her body measurements include a 36-inch chest, a 26-inch waist, and 36-inch hips.
Besides her charity work, she is also pretty famous for being active in social events and gatherings.
More about Gloria James’s Husband- Anthony McClelland:
Anthony McClelland keeps a low profile in Ohio, far from the public eye. His height is comparable to that of his son, LeBron, hinting at a potential talent for basketball. Indeed, during his younger years, he was known to play quite well in local basketball games.
Introducing Gloria James’s Husband – Anthony McClelland.
Today, Anthony may not be in the limelight, but his past as a skilled street basketball player has led some to speculate that LeBron inherited his basketball prowess from him. Anthony is referred to as a “street baller” and hints that he could be the source of LeBron’s athletic abilities.
More about LeBron James:
LeBron James, born on December 30, 1984, in Akron, Ohio, began his basketball journey at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in Akron. There, he achieved the impressive feat of winning Ohio’s Mr. Basketball title three times.
Upon high school graduation, LeBron James became the number one pick in the NBA draft selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers. This remarkable achievement also earned him the prestigious title of NBA Rookie of the Year.
Gloria James is the mother of the NBA Star, sporting the iconic Lakers as he manoeuvres with focus and finesse. Image Credit: Globaltimes.com.
At a towering height of 6 feet 9 inches and weighing 250 pounds, LeBron James commands the basketball court as a formidable forward. Beyond the court, he has ventured into the entertainment industry, gracing films like “Space Jam: A New Legacy.”
Furthermore, he is the visionary behind SpringHill Company, a production company he co-founded with his friend Maverick Carter in 2020.
LeBron’s illustrious career is punctuated by four NBA championships and four MVP awards, both in the finals and the regular season. He stands out as one of the premier basketball talents of this century.
His company, SpringHill Company, is a creative force in the film and television industry.
More about Gloria James Stepson- Aaron McClelland:
Born in Akron, Ohio, on May 31, 1987, Aaron McClelland Gamble, often referred to as Aron, is presently 36 years old. He’s most notably recognized for being the half-brother to the renowned basketball player LeBron James. An American national with mixed Afro-American heritage, Aaron embraces Christianity and is a Gemini.
Meet Aaron McClelland, the stepson of Gloria James, who looks exactly like LeBron James. Image Credit: Pinterst.com.
Aaron’s academic path led him to Harvard University, where he studied economics. Following his graduation, he embarked on a career in finance, making a name for himself at a major investment firm based in New York. Additionally, Gloria James is Aaron McClelland‘s stepson and LeBron James’s stepbrother.
Aaron McClelland Gamble launched his own business, Gamble Capital, in 2012 and has been thriving. In addition to his business pursuits, he dedicates time to supporting charitable causes, particularly those aimed at improving education and healthcare.
He frequently shares his expertise on money and investment in television. With ambitions to expand his company, Aaron is continuously exploring innovative concepts in the financial sector.
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Gloria James Grandchildren:
Gloria James has been the backbone of her son and his career. She also cares for her grandchildren, Bronny James, Bryce James, and Zhuri James. Let’s learn more about them.
A photo of Gloria on the left-hand side with her Grandchildren, Bryce at the middle, Bronny and Zhuri on the right-hand side. Image Credit: Totalprosport.
More about Bronny James:
Born to LeBron and Savannah James on October 6, 2004, LeBron “Bronny” James Jr. is their eldest child. Bronny James, standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 80 kilograms, possesses the physique typical of a basketball player. He has black hair and eyes, and his body measurements include a 34-inch chest, a 28-inch waist, and 33-inch hips.
Meet the first Grandson of Gloria Jams. Image Credit: Medpagetoday.
He began playing basketball early, competing in AAU leagues and joining the Miami City Ballers when he was only nine. By 2019, Bronny had already made a name for himself by leading Sierra Canyon School to a win against his dad’s old team, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, in a notable game in Akron.
At the age of 16, Bronny graced the cover of Sports Illustrated, a significant achievement since he appeared on the magazine’s cover at a younger age than his father did for his first cover in 2002.
More about Bryce James:
Bryce Maximus James, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 14, 2007. Bryce James is the second child of LeBron and Savannah James. He first attended Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, Los Angeles, before switching to Campbell Hall School during his junior high school year.
Bryce James Is the second Grandson of Gloria James. Image Credit:bleacherreport.com.
Bryce’s stay at Campbell Hall was short-lived. On August 10, 2023, he chose to transfer to Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California. However, he made another switch back to Sierra Canyon School a few months later, on November 21, 2023.
Making a notable step in his career, Bryce signed a contract with Klutch Sports in December 2022, utilizing his rights to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).
More about Zhuri Nova:
Zhuri Nova James, born to LeBron and Savannah James on October 22, 2014, has displayed a keen interest in fashion since her early years. Even at the age of five, she actively participated in the 2020 launch of the Janie and Jack x Harlem’s Fashion Row clothing line.
Meet Zhuri Nova James, The youngest granddaughter of Gloria James, with a unique smile. Image Credit: People.com.
Famous for getting impressive gifts from her dad, LeBron, Zhuri received a special playhouse for her birthday in October 2020, designed to look like their family home, much to her delight.
