Jerry West, the legendary basketball icon, was married twice. His first marriage with Martha Kane lasted 16 years, while his second marriage with his second wife, Kristine “Karen” Bua, lasted over four decades.
Jerry Alan West was a legendary American basketball player and executive. He is known for his remarkable career with the Los Angeles Lakers and as the face of the NBA logo.
Nicknamed “The Logo,” “Mr. Clutch,” and “Zeke from Cabin Creek,” West earned widespread recognition for his clutch performances, including his iconic buzzer-beater in the 1970 NBA Finals.
West’s career spanned 14 years in the NBA, where he was a 14-time All-Star and 12-time All-NBA First.
His only NBA championship came in 1972, the same year he won All-Star MVP. West also set the NBA record for the highest points per game in a playoff series at 46.3.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980, named to the NBA 35th Anniversary Team in 1996, and the 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
Jerry West and Martha Jane Kane, His First Wife and the Mother of His Children, Tied the Knot in 1960!
Jerry West’s first marriage was to Martha Jane Kane, a woman from his home state of West Virginia. The couple met while still in college and married in April 1960.
However, their seemingly idyllic marriage life faced challenges that ultimately led to their divorce in 1976 after 16 years. They are parents of three children: David, Mark, and Michael.
Their marriage was patterned by Jerry’s career commitments, which left Martha often to deal with the challenges of his emotionally demanding profession, especially after grueling losses.
Martha recalled later that Jerry would often ask her to leave the car on the porch after a game, for he couldn’t handle defeat.
Despite their separation, the basketball player remained a dedicated father. He maintained a close relationship with his children, showing his nurturing side despite his personal struggles.
Following the Divorce From Martha, Jerry West Found a Home In His Second Wife, Karen Bua!
After his divorce from Martha, Jerry West found love again with Kristine “Karen” Bua. The couple met when Karen was a cheerleader in Los Angeles.
The couple married in 1978, and their relationship lasted for over four decades until Jerry’s passing in 2024.
Karen, originally from Los Angeles, was a private person who worked in education and later in the California State Controller’s Office.
Despite being married to a public figure, Karen kept her life relatively out of the spotlight, focusing on family and supporting Jerry as he transitioned from player to executive.
Karen and Jerry had two sons, Ryan and Jonnie, who pursued basketball careers.
Ryan worked as a talent scout for the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers, while Jonnie served as the Director of Pro Personnel for the Golden State Warriors.
Their shared passion for basketball ensured that Jerry’s legacy would live on through their achievements.
Throughout their 46 years of marriage, Karen was a constant source of support for Jerry.
Together, they built a strong family, and her quiet, steadfast presence was a stabilizing force in Jerry’s personal life.
The couple made their homes in La Quinta, California, and Hayward, San Francisco, always prioritizing family and togetherness.
Jerry West’s legacy is indelibly linked to the sport of basketball, but the women in his life—Martha Kane and Karen Bua—were integral to his journey.
Both women helped shape the man behind the legend, and their contributions to his life, though often private, were no less significant than his accomplishments on the court.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Jerry West was born into a poor family. He grew up with five siblings, facing physical abuse from his father.
- In 1951, his older brother, David, died in the Korean War, turning West from an outgoing child into a shy, reserved boy.
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