Stephen Jackson, who became an NBA champion as a member of the San Antonio Spurs in 2003, faced a devastating personal tragedy when his brother, Donald Buckner Jr, passed away in a deeply saddening event.
This event motivated Stephen to get into charity and help others. With an estimated net worth of approximately $20 million, Stephen Jackson established his foundation and an academy for children in Port Arthur.
Furthermore, he actively raised funds for numerous non-profit organizations.
During his professional basketball career, Stephen Jackson played in the NBA for 14 seasons, representing teams such as the New Jersey Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and Los Angeles Clippers.
The Phoenix Suns selected him in the 1997 NBA draft, but his NBA debut did not occur until the 2000-01 season when he played for the New Jersey Nets, marking his official rookie season.
Throughout his playing career, Stephen Jackson amassed 12,976 points, 3,328 rebounds, and 2,634 assists.
Who Is Stephen Jackson Brother?
Stephen Jackson, born on April 5, 1978, was raised by his single mother, Judy Jackson. He has three siblings: Bianca, Donnie, and his late half-brother, Donald Buckner Jr.
Their mother, Judy, worked two jobs to support the family, and all the siblings took her last name.
Among his siblings, Donald, who was nine years older than Stephen, served as an inspiration and a role model. Donald Buckner Jr led a life full of pride from 1969 to 1994.
Donald motivated Stephen to become the best version of himself and imparted valuable lessons on topics like fashion, interacting with girls, and maturing into a remarkable older brother.
Stephen Jackson’s earliest basketball experiences were shared with his late brother, and they were inseparable.
Although Stephen experienced immense joy and celebration upon winning the NBA Championship with the San Antonio Spurs.
However, there was always a void, as his brother was not there to share the experience.
The Tragedy
Donald Buckner Jr., who had visited his girlfriend in hopes of spending quality time together, found himself in a dire situation when her ex-boyfriend unexpectedly arrived.
Fueled by anger and jealousy, a fight ensued, with Buckner initially defending himself and gaining the upper hand.
However, the situation took a turn for the worse when his cousins joined the altercation armed with bottles and a lead pipe.
Now facing three opponents at once, Donald endured repeated blows to the head, resulting in his hospitalization.
Stephen, playing for the San Antonio Spurs at the time, sincerely wished he had been present to protect his brother.
At 16, Stephen witnessed his 25-year-old brother, whom he considered his hero, lying in the ICU surrounded by the hum of machines and hushed voices.
“It’s going to be okay,” Jackson reassured him, a single tear streaming down Buckner’s face.
Tragically, Donald passed away the following day, forever altering the point guard’s life.
According to his mother,r Judy, Stephen Jackson transformed into an incredibly generous individual following that incident.
He would readily give away the clothes he was wearing to homeless individuals on the streets of Atlanta. Moreover, he made sure to provide food to anyone in need.
In recognition of his remarkable efforts, Stephen Jackson received the NBA’s Community Assist Award in 2008.
Jackson’s Other Family Members
As mentioned, Stephen Jackson was raised by his single mother, Judy Jackson, following her separation from his father, George Aldridge.
Tragically, Stephen has also experienced the loss of his other brother, Donnie Jackson, who passed away on November 15, 2022.
The cause of his death was a car accident, precisely a collision with a tree in the 3100 block of Central Mall Drive.
In terms of his personal life, Stephen Jackson is currently married to Tamara Jackson. The couple often share each other on their social media.
