An outpouring of memories and tributes followed the news Wednesday of the passing of one of the most iconic West Virginians, Jerry West.
West, also known as “Mr. Clutch” for his awe-inspiring late-game performances and as “The Logo” because his silhouette inspired the NBA logo, passed away at the age of 86.
After leading the West Virginia University Mountaineers to the 1959 NCAA championship game, West went on to have one of the most storied careers in the history of professional basketball.
He was an All-Star in all 14 of his NBA seasons, a 12-time All-NBA selection, part of the 1972 Lakers team that won a championship, an NBA Finals MVP as part of a losing team in 1969 and was selected as a member of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team.
West has been inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame twice already — as a player and as a member of 1960 U.S. Olympic team — and is slated for a third induction later this year for his contributions to the game as an executive.
Gov. Jim Justice, during his press briefing Wednesday, read from a text message exchange he shared with West in April, in which the pair swapped fond memories of past turkey hunting trips.
“I think about all the times that I had the opportunity to spend with Jerry,” Justice said.
“They were out the woods turkey hunting, or on some stream or pond fishing,” Justice said. “You may have never had the opportunity to look into the soul of an individual who was a hero in this state, a star in this state in every way. But I had that opportunity, and — goodness gracious — the times that we spent together.”
U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., said he and his wife Gayle were “devastated” to learn of West’s passing.
“When you think of basketball, you think of Jerry West, and it is only fitting his legacy has been forever commemorated in the organization’s logo,” Manchin said. “Jerry was a pillar of West Virginia culture and never forgot his roots. To his core, Jerry was a West Virginian with an unbeatable work ethic and resilience like no other. He was a great friend and a world-class representative for both the NBA and for West Virginia. Our hearts and prayers are with his wife, Karen, his sons, Ryan, Jonnie, Mark, David and Michael, and all of his loved ones as they mourn this tremendous loss.”
West will forever “be a West Virginia icon,” said U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., in a social media post.
“A native of Chelyan in Kanawha County, Jerry made West Virginia incredibly proud through his continued contributions to our state and the game of basketball,” she wrote. “Thinking of his family, loved ones and all those he impacted throughout his life.”
West Virginia University President Dr. E. Gordon Gee said “there will never be another Jerry West.”
“From his time as a record-breaking basketball player in the WVU Field House to his success in the front offices of some of the most respected sports franchises in America, Jerry brought his unique abilities, innovative spirit and quiet strength — the very best of what it means to be a Mountaineer,” Gee said. “He was a dear friend and steadfast supporter of West Virginia University, and I send my sincerest condolences to his wife Karen and the entire West family.”