Basic Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Gloria Marie James |
| Date of birth | February 4, 1968 |
| Age | 57 |
| Birthplace | Akron, Ohio |
| Known for | Mother of LeBron James; community advocate and public presence for family and foundation events |
| Children | LeBron Raymone James (born December 30, 1984) |
| Grandchildren | 3 (LeBron Jr. “Bronny” — b. 2004; Bryce Maximus — b. 2007; Zhuri Nova — b. 2014) |
| Siblings | Curt (Curtis) James; Terry James |
| Notable family relationships | LeBron James (son); Anthony McClelland (LeBron’s biological father, not present in upbringing); Freda (maternal grandmother, deceased) |
| Social media | Instagram: @gloriajames |
| Community involvement | Visible supporter and participant in family philanthropic initiatives and Akron community events |
Content Sections
Gloria Marie James’s life reads like a ledger of resilience: small, clear entries that add up to a force greater than the sum of their lines. Born on February 4, 1968, in Akron, Ohio, her story became intertwined with the public narrative once her son, LeBron Raymone James, emerged as a nationally recognized basketball prodigy. But reducing Gloria to “LeBron’s mother” alone flattens the texture — she is a matriarch, an advocate, and a steady actor in the family’s public and private rhythms.
Early life and family shape
On December 30, 1984, Gloria gave birth to LeBron at 16, defining her adulthood. Gloria’s mother, Freda, died on December 25, 1987, leaving Gloria to take on more duties at a young age. Curtis (Curt) and Terry, two brothers, are members of a small family network that helped out when needed. These names form a little constellation that describe LeBron’s upbringing, move, and rise.
Role as a parent and public figure
Any parent would have struggled with adolescence and public attention. Gloria managed poverty, multiple migrations, and the early attention when LeBron became famous. Through high school, the NBA draft, his career, and philanthropy, she was close to LeBron. She is photographed at family occasions and foundation gatherings, publishes family milestones on social media, and attends important public events as a grandmother with decades of attention.
Family table
| Relation | Name | Born (year) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Son | LeBron Raymone James | 1984 | NBA star; central public figure in the family |
| Biological father (LeBron) | Anthony McClelland | — | Publicly identified as LeBron’s biological father; largely absent from upbringing |
| Maternal grandmother | Freda (Marie) James Howard | — (d. Dec 25, 1987) | Early support figure; her death affected the household |
| Brother | Curt (Curtis) James | — | Active in community and family-related appearances |
| Brother | Terry James | — | Mentioned in family profiles and biographical histories |
| Grandchild | LeBron “Bronny” James Jr. | 2004 | Celebrated by Gloria publicly |
| Grandchild | Bryce Maximus James | 2007 | Celebrated publicly, recent high-school milestone |
| Grandchild | Zhuri Nova James | 2014 | Frequently appears in family posts |
Philanthropy, public presence, and community ties
Gloria’s public persona often intersects with the family’s philanthropic work. She participates in events connected to the LeBron James Family Foundation and the I PROMISE initiative in Akron, attending school openings, community celebrations, and foundation milestones. She is not known for a separate corporate career pushed into national headlines; rather, her influence is exercised through family-centered civic engagement. On social media she describes herself in familial terms and uses that platform to amplify milestones, congratulate grandchildren, and support foundation events.
Recent public moments and patterns
Gloria continues to attend family gatherings and public events throughout the 2020s. She routinely tweets on grandchildren and family achievements and attends graduations, birthdays, and Mother’s Day celebrations. Those intimate posts are part of a larger story of prosperity, community giving, and close kinship, from a young mother in Akron to global headlines.
Timeline — selected dates and numbers
- Feb 4, 1968 — Gloria Marie James is born in Akron, Ohio.
- Dec 30, 1984 — LeBron Raymone James (her son) is born when Gloria is 16.
- Dec 25, 1987 — Gloria’s mother, Freda, dies; the household loses a key caregiver.
- 1990s–2002 — LeBron emerges as a basketball sensation; Gloria remains present during his ascent.
- 2003 onward — LeBron’s professional career grows; foundation work expands and Gloria appears at related events.
- 2004, 2007, 2014 — Birth years of Gloria’s grandchildren: Bronny (2004), Bryce (2007), Zhuri (2014).
- 2020s — Continued public presence and social-media activity; family milestones dominate recent mentions.
Persona and public image
If LeBron’s career is a thunderclap, Gloria’s presence is the steady drum that marks time — regular, reliable, essential. Her Instagram and public appearances show a woman comfortable in the role of family matriarch: proud, direct, and visibly affectionate. She is not a politician or a corporate executive; she is a symbol of maternal endurance, an anchor in the family story whose influence is measured in stabilizing presence rather than headline-grabbing solo projects.
FAQ
Who is Gloria Marie James?
Gloria Marie James is the mother of NBA star LeBron James and a public family matriarch involved in community and foundation-related events.
When and where was she born?
She was born on February 4, 1968, in Akron, Ohio.
Who are her immediate family members?
Her immediate family includes her son LeBron James, grandchildren Bronny (b. 2004), Bryce (b. 2007), Zhuri (b. 2014), and brothers Curt and Terry James.
What is her role with the family foundation?
She frequently attends and supports events connected to the LeBron James Family Foundation and related community initiatives.
Was Anthony McClelland part of her household?
Anthony McClelland is identified as LeBron’s biological father but was largely absent from LeBron’s upbringing.
Does Gloria have a public professional career?
She is primarily known for family, community advocacy, and public appearances rather than a separate corporate career.
Is Gloria active on social media?
Yes; she posts family milestones and foundation-related content on Instagram under the handle @gloriajames.
How did early family events affect her life?
The death of her mother in 1987 removed a major support, influencing the household responsibilities Gloria carried while raising LeBron.
