Early Life and Education of Jerry West: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 11, 2026

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Jerry West. A timeline of key moments.

Jerry West, nicknamed "the Logo," "Mr. Clutch," "Mr. Outside," and "Zeke from Cabin Creek," was an American basketball player and executive. He is considered one of the greatest NBA players of all time, playing his entire professional career with the Los Angeles Lakers. "The Logo" nickname is derived from his silhouette being the basis for the NBA logo. West was known for his clutch performances, highlighted by his buzzer-beating 60-foot shot in the 1970 NBA Finals.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

May 28, 1938: Jerry West's Birth

On May 28, 1938, Jerry Alan West was born. He would later become a celebrated American basketball player and executive.

Others born on this day/year

1951: Death of Brother David

In 1951, Jerry West's older brother, David, was killed in action in the Korean War, which deeply affected Jerry and turned him into a shy and introverted boy.

1952: Attendance at East Bank High School

In 1952, Jerry West started attending East Bank High School in East Bank, West Virginia.

1953: Increased Height and Starting Position

During the summer of 1953, Jerry West grew to 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) and became the starting small forward for his high school team.

1955: Attendance at Mountaineer Boys State

In 1955, Jerry West attended the session of Mountaineer Boys State, representing East Bank High School.

1956: Graduation from East Bank High School and All-American Honors

In 1956, Jerry West graduated from East Bank High School, also becoming an All-American and West Virginia Player of the Year, scoring over 900 points in the season.

1956: Enrollment at West Virginia University

In 1956, Jerry West graduated high school and chose to attend West Virginia University (WVU) in Morgantown.

April 1960: Marriage to Martha Jane Kane

In April 1960, Jerry West married his college sweetheart Martha Jane Kane in Morgantown.

1976: Divorce from Martha Jane Kane

In 1976, Jerry West divorced his first wife, Martha Jane Kane.

1978: Marriage to Kristine "Karen" Bua

In 1978, Jerry West married his second wife, Kristine "Karen" Bua.

1999: Closure of West Bank High School

In 1999, West Bank High School, formerly East Bank High School, which changed its name every March 24th in honor of Jerry West, closed down.

2011: Release of Memoir "West by West"

In 2011, Jerry West and Jonathan Coleman released a memoir entitled "West by West: My Charmed, Tormented Life", which became a New York Times bestseller. In an interview related to the book, West revealed childhood physical abuse and ongoing depression.