“Those we love dearly won’t go away; they are still here, every single day.” When Junior Bridgeman stepped on the court for the Bucks, the crowd, the coach, and the locker room knew what he would do. With time, the trusted lieutenant became one of the most important ‘sixth man’ of the Bucks’ history, with an average of 13.6 points! But he was made for more; a man who believed in building his kingdom, and today, with his memories, lies those great basketball moments and an empire of business. “It was his character, his kindness, and his gentle soul that truly left a lasting impression on me.” Magic Johnson’s mourning on X made it clear the basketball world lost a true gem in Junior Bridgeman (71) on March 11. He left teammates, fans, and loved ones grappling with the heartbreaking news. Now, as the date for his memorial service approaches, emotions are running high—especially for those who knew him personally. One of them is Jon McGlocklin, Bridgeman’s former teammate, who was left shaken by the news.
“A little stunned. I spoke to him a month ago. We talk every now and then. I’m hurt,” he admitted. For McGlocklin, this loss isn’t just about basketball—it’s about losing someone he truly admired. From a friend, a family, or a fan, “It’s a blow to those of us that knew him personally, but it’s a blow to the world because this is a good man. Junior Bridgeman is one of the finest people I’ve ever known in my life, and I loved him.”
Bridgeman’s journey with the Bucks began in an era of change. He arrived in Milwaukee as part of the trade that sent Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to the Lakers—a monumental deal in NBA history. But while others focused on the superstar heading west, Milwaukee soon realized the goldmine they had in Bridgeman. McGlocklin, who played alongside him during that transition, still remembers the kind of player he was:
“… As a player, he was a good player. He was. And loved by everyone. A great teammate and a really good player. And a good sixth man. Did his job well. He could shoot it. He was an all-around, really great player.”
It’s no surprise, then, that Bridgeman’s jersey now hangs in the rafters. He wasn’t just another player—he was the heart of the Bucks, someone who left a lasting impression on everyone around him. “His number’s retired. Every guy on the team revered and loved Junior Bridgeman. You will never hear a bad word in any manner about Junior,” McGlocklin shared, remembering his friend. “And he did his job as a player. He was asked to play this role. He did. And he could bring to the court the necessary abilities and success that you wanted of him.”
But if you think Bridgeman’s impact stopped at basketball, think again. He went from being a sixth man to a business mogul owing a line of fast-food chains, proving that success doesn’t end with the final buzzer. McGlocklin often joked with him about it. “I would call him and say, ‘Are you really this rich?’ And he would take everything I would throw at him and then we would talk seriously.” Bridgeman may have built an empire, but his character remained unchanged.
“… You didn’t make big bucks as a player, but you went out and went to work and made big bucks,” McGlocklin said of Bridgeman’s legacy during his appearance on WISN 12 News. “If that’s what drives people… I can’t tell you one negative thing about Junior Bridgeman. Love him.”
That’s the kind of man Junior Bridgeman was—respected, admired, and, above all, loved. As his memorial draws closer, the stories and memories being shared only reinforce what many already knew: his legacy will live on.
Junior Bridgeman’s memorial service date revealed
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