Junior Bridgeman, an American businessman and former NBA player who played for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers, passed away at the age of 71, leaving his longtime wife and children devastated.
The former Bucks legend Junior Bridgeman passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, after suffering a medical emergency in Louisville.
According to reports, Bridgeman was at the 45th Annual Leadership Luncheon on Scouting at The Galt House when he suffered a medical emergency.
Moreover, a reporter from WLKY-TV was speaking with Bridgeman as part of the program in front of hundreds of attendees when Bridgeman expressed that he might be having a heart attack.
He was immediately taken away in an ambulance. Unfortunately, a representative for the AL J. Schneider Company, which owns the Halt House, later confirmed that Junior Bridgeman had died.
In response to the sudden passing of the legendary NBA player and renowned businessman Junior Bridgeman, many of his loved ones and fans extend their heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time and pay tribute to the legend.
Junior Bridgeman is survived by his longtime wife Doris, three children, Eden, Ryan, and Justin, grandchildren, and the entire family.
Talking about his wife, the late Junior Bridgeman and Doris Bridgeman were married for over 48 years.
Junior Bridgeman And Wife Doris’ Only Daughter Eden Is A Successful Entrepreneur
The late Junior Bridgeman and Doris’s daughter, Eden Bridgeman Sklenar, is a renowned entrepreneur, media proprietor, and marketing executive.
Since 2021, she has been the owner, chairwoman, and CEO of the iconic brands EBONY and Jet.
Her late father, Junior Bridgeman, acquired the company for $14 million in 2020.
In addition to being the Owner and CEO of EBONY and Jet, Eden has held the position of CMO of Manna Inc/ Bridgeman Foods for over 16 years.
This parent company has incorporated over 500 restaurant franchises, including Wendy’s, Fazoli’s, Golden Coral, Jimmy Johns, and Mark Feed Store.
Junior Bridgeman and his wife Doris gave birth to their only daughter, Eden Bridgeman Sklenar, in Los Angeles, California. However, they raised her in Louisville, Kentucky, where she attended the University of Louisville.
In 2013, Eden completed her MBA at Loyola University Chicago, graduating with honors and being inducted into the International Business Honors Society.
During this time, she was the head of marketing for ERJ Dining, which operated 125 Chili’s franchises in 13 states.
Eden currently serves on the boards of the Speed Art Museum, Kentucky Derby Museum, Oxmoor Farm Foundation, Task Force for Funds for the Arts, and the Louisville Ballet.
In addition, she is the Program Director and Board Member for the Bridgeman Charitable Group, which focuses on access to education for at-risk youth and cancer research support.
In 2017, Eden launched The Trifecta, of which she is also currently the CEO.
The Trifecta is a branch of the Bridgeman Charitable Group that creates unique experiences at some of the most notable annual events in the United States, including the Kentucky Derby.
In her personal life, Eden Bridgeman is married to Greg Sklenar, and they have a beautiful daughter named Eve.
Junior Bridgeman And Doris Also Raised Their Two Sons To Be Successful In Their Respective Fields
In addition to their daughter, the late Junior Bridgeman and his longtime wife Doris raised their sons, Ryan and Justin Bridgeman, to succeed in their respective fields.
Ryan Bridgeman, like his sister Eden, is an entrepreneur. He is the president of Manna Inc.
Similarly, he serves as managing member and president of RD Services LLC, Ryan Bridgeman LLC, and ANB Concessions LLC.
His RD Services provides restaurant and concession businesses with customer and employee service solutions.
Moreover, Ryan Bridgeman LLC operates Wendy’s restaurant at the Nashville International Airport.
In addition to his business, Ryan serves on the boards of Metro Bank, Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation, and the University of Louisville Athletic Association.
He is also a founding member of the Lousivelle Track Club.
Ryan earned his master’s in business administration and bachelor of science in finance from the University of Louisville and his Master’s certificate in food service management from Cornell University.
He is happily married to Leea Bridgeman.
Talking about Junior and Doris Bridgeman’s other son Justin, he works as a recruiter at Teksystems in Louisville, Kentucky.
Very little information about his personal life is available as Justin prefers to maintain a low profile.
In Case You Didn’t know
- Junior Bridgeman was born Ulysses Lee Junior Bridgeman on September 17, 1953, in East Chicago, Indiana, to Ulysses Lee Bridgeman.
- He began his basketball journey while attending Washington High School. He played college basketball at the University of Louisville for the Lousville Cardinals men’s basketball team.
