Report: Akron Youth Sports Legend, An Early Mentor Of LeBron, Dies At Age Of 69

LeBron James’ early mentor and Akron youth sports legend Jerry Rowland died at 69 as reported by Ohio.com. Rowland ran the Ed Davis Community Center and was coach at the center for 40 years. He was a three-time City Series scoring champion at Buchtel High School in the 1960s.

LeBron was devastated to hear the bad news, and he took to Twitter to send his thoughts and prayers.

“Straight Up! AKRON legend man! Always looked out for me when I was a youngin walking the streets looking for a place to hoop. May You Rest in Paradise Jerry Row!” the Lakers star wrote.

Sources report that Rowland hired LeBron for $4.75 a hour to be a camp counselor at the community center. He coached children while attending St. Vincent-St. Mary.

For 40 years, Rowland was coaching at the center along Perkins Park Drive on Akron’s west side. He was a contractor with Cardinal Environment. In September 2009, the New York Times reported that LeBron first played on the court at the Ed Davis against Little Dru aka Dru Joyce III.

“It hurt my heart to learn we lost not only one of the most impactful athletes to come through the Buchtel basketball program but in fact a staple to the west Akron community,” Buchtel boys basketball coach Matt Futch told Ohio.com. “Jerry Rowland was an inspiration and leader. He has taught us so many lessons growing up. God bless his family during this time.”

A 2016 ABC Cleveland report on King james, in the middle of his return to the team, referred to Rowland as an “Akron recreation supervisor” who had been close with LeBron since 1993. “It’s easier for him to let Love and Kyrie develop their game because his game is there,” Rowland said of LeBron at the time.

The City of Akron delivered an emotional message for the legacy Rowland left behind.

“We are heartbroken by the loss of an Akron legend, community leader & youth mentor. Jerry Rowland has passed away after 44 years of service w/ the City. He was a true advocate for youth sports and we’ll miss his energy & encouragement. Ed Davis Community Center won’t be the same.”

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