Jerry Lynn Bartley

March 2, 1942 - November 28, 2020

Jerry Lynn Bartley, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, earned eternal rest on November 28, 2020. Affectionately known as "JB," Jerry was born on March 2, 1942 in Altoona, Pennsylvania to Victor and Helen Logan Bartley. After his father died while serving in World War II, Jerry's mother later married, Jack Danemark. Together, they instilled in him a strong sense of discipline and a call to service.

JB held a lifelong love of sports with unbridled spirit and passion for the game of basketball. An accomplished standout athlete, he played basketball during his formative years, in high school, in college and while serving in the Army. After his military service, Jerry remained competitive in sports, playing basketball and racquetball for many years on corporate teams and in pick-up games at the local YMCA. In 1997, he was named MVP in a tournament with other seasoned players, most aged 50 and older.

After a notable career as an Army and Air Force Exchange Service retail manager and executive in Virginia and across the southern United States, Jerry joined the senior leadership of Alabama State University. He retired from ASU as the Director of Auxiliary Services in 2013.

A force both on and off the court, JB was never far from the game. In 1992, he became active in the leadership of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). Within four years, he became the State AAU Boy's Basketball Chairman, a position he held for 28 years.

Jerry intimately understood the life-changing opportunities afforded players beyond the hardwood. In 1994, he founded The Pepsi Challenge, an AAU summer basketball team, which later became The Alabama Challenge. As general manager JB crafted an innovative program to build champions, prioritizing academic achievement and providing players with one-on-one skills coaching.

Jerry invested untold hours of mentorship and friendship to develop and affirm personally the young men on the team. He tirelessly pursued and recruited top talent, attending hundreds of games on the road each year. Highly respected in the field, he also cultivated the business acumen and professional development of many up-and-coming coaches and athletic administrators.

With JB's comprehensive approach, popularity grew and The Challenge Basketball Club expanded to include ages 9-17, with teams located in Montgomery and Birmingham. The Challenge's impressive record attracted national attention, earning its teams sponsorship by Nike's Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL). Jerry's players achieved success, traveling across the country and winning several AAU and travel team national championships. Challenge alumni were highly recruited with scholarships to top-tier colleges and universities.

Throughout the years of faithfully serving AAU and The Challenge, JB witnessed many players going on to become husbands and fathers; to earn degrees and collegiate championships; to become coaches; and to play professional basketball in the United States and abroad. His players' personal accomplishments were a source of immense pride because he always viewed them as much more than athletes. JB regarded the young men that he nurtured as members of his family, treating many as his sons. Jerry also was a spirited fan and staunch supporter of women's basketball.

For JB, few things in life ranked higher than basketball, but his love for family was always in first place. He never missed an opportunity to enjoy family gatherings and treasured time spent with his children and grandchildren. Jerry also adored time away with his wife. They spent many days, years and miles together on adventures exploring the nation and other islands and countries around the globe.

Jerry Bartley was preceded in death by one son, Darrell. He is survived by his loving and dedicated wife, and partner of 33 years, LaVonette. Grounded in love and understanding, their relationship gave wind and wings to many of his dreams. Together, they faithfully served countless at-risk and underserved youth for decades. Jerry also leaves to cherish his memory, two beloved children, Bryan (Barbara) and Tammy (Karl); one stepson, Herman; grandchildren, William Baker and Caroline Grace; his faithful dog, Logan; and a host of loving family and friends, most especially his sisters-in-law, Joyce and Mable; and mother-in-law, Mable Maddox.

An intimate memorial service, including a tribute from former players and coaches, will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 11 a.m. at True Divine Baptist Church. Strict safety protocol will be enforced, including mandatory temperature checks, face coverings and social distancing. For more information, including virtual attendance, visit rememberingJB.com