R.I.P. John ‘Boy Wonder’ Isaacs, 1915-2009


It’s with deep sorrow that I report the passing of former star basketball player and community leader John “Boy Wonder” Isaacs. John passed away this morning at the Albert Einstein Hospital in the Bronx, New York. He had suffered a major stroke last week, from which he never arose. He was 93 years old.

John Isaacs

John Isaacs, 1915-2009. Here, standing in front of his beloved
Renaissance Ballroom in Harlem.

John had a long, strong, full life.  He saw a lot of things, and got to experience, on some level, what it was like to have a black President of the United States — a breakthrough that his pioneering efforts helped make possible. John’s was a historic life, and as a person he was a national treasure.

But, as his daughter said to me a few days ago, it was time for us to let go so that he could let go too.

The circle of life continues.

I’m sure that a part of John will continue to live in all of us who remember him well.

John’s uncontainable energy — which seemed eternal even before today — is now free to soar wherever it may.

To help honor John, please feel free to leave a comment, share a memory, retell a story, offer a word of inspiration, or leave a parting thought.

John Isaacs

My last photo with John Isaacs in October 2008, the way I'll remember him.
May he rest in peace.

More information about the Memorial Service for John, and other details, will be available soon.

UPDATE (1/28, 2009):

Wake and Viewing Ceremony
Date: Friday, January 30, 2009
Time: 3:00pm – 7:00pm
Location: Granby’s Funeral Home (map)
Phone: 718-519-6047
Street: 4020 White Plains Road (@ 228th Street)
City: Bronx, NY

Funeral Service
Date: Saturday, January 31, 2009
Time: 9:30am – 11:00am
Location: Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church (map)
Phone: 212-690-1834
Street: 58 West 135th Street (off Lenox Avenue)
City: New York, NY (Harlem)

Contributions:
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, a contribution be made to the John “Boy Wonder” Isaacs Scholarship Fund in support of education and mentoring for children and young adults:

John “Boy Wonder” Isaacs Scholarship Fund
c/o Karen Isaacs
1011 Sheridan Avenue
No. B16
Bronx, New York 10456

Thank you for your generous contribution.

0 0 votes
Rating
Subscribe
Notify of

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

76 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
H. BUTLER
15 years ago

DURING HALFTIME AT A SUPERBOWL PARTY I WAS GRACED WITH A SHORT HISTORY OF BABY BOY WONDER. I ALSO RECEIVED A POSTER OF THE HARLEM RENAISSANCE 1939. MY CONDOLENCES GO TO HIS FAMILY AND THE COUPLE THAT INVITED ME TO THEIR PARTY AND SHARED PICTURES AND STORIES OF JOHN ‘BABY BOY WONDER’ ISAACS. RIP

Murry Nelson
15 years ago

I was fortunate enough to get to know John through attending a couple conferences where he attended. I got him to visit Penn State in about 2004 when I mounted the traveling HOF exhibit “Freedom to Play” and had him speak as part of a panel at the opening. That night I took him to a Lady Lion NCAA first round game. Early in the game the favored PSU team was having difficulties with their opponents. John said that they (PSU) had a much quicker team and that they should start pressing. Up only five points at the half, PSU came out in the second half with a full court press and swiftly pushed their lead to 20 and the game was essentially over. John’s clarity and immediate insight were amazing and it was a real pleasure to hear his analysis. The next day I drove him the 90 miles to catch a train in Harrisburg back to NYC. We talked about so much (but always what John WANTED to discuss, as anyone who knows him would understand). he was such a gracious and intelligent man. His passing truly ends the contact with that great era of the Rens.

Gerald Yearwood
15 years ago

I will always remember how sharp and insightful he was. John Issacs was a man who loved life and people, he showed us all even the young kids today that there was a certain protocol and respect that has never left, even if some of us think it has, and that is decency and respect for others especially those who are older and wiser than you. I’ll miss those historical updates he would present in conversations sitting in Col. Young while watching the kids play in the Rucker Tourney. A legend has gone to rest, God bless you Mr. Issacs!

JIMM PAULL
15 years ago

I KNEW MR. ISSACS (BECAUSE OF MY RESPECT FOR HIM, I COULD NOT ADDRESS HIM ANY OTHER WAY) FOR OVER THIRTY YEARS. AS A BASKETBALL OFFICIAL, I HAD THE UTMOST RESPECT FOR HIS BASKETBALL ACUMEN AND WHAT HE BROUGHT TO THE GAME. I ALSO HAD RESPECT FOR HIS PART IN THE HISTORY OF THE GAME. MOST OF ALL I RESPECTED THE WISDOM HE IMPARTED TO ME EVERY TIME I SAW HIM ABOUT LIFE IN GENERAL. HE WAS TRULY THE DEFINITION OF AN ICON. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.

carl campbell
15 years ago

all i can say is i am blessed to have known and been in the company if john i he was my mentor of many years,coach for many more, and the countless stories he share with will be missed,he will now play ball again with his teamates share all the greatness that is their:s-claude if you get the game at the white house-boy wonder will be there in spirit-iknow that you know that i–all men are one…peace and love.

15 years ago

Dear John,

Thank you.

With love and affection,
your friend Claude

15 years ago

I’m sorry to hear of John’s passing. My condolences to you and to John’s family. I did not know the departed, but it’s not easy to lose a friend, including one who has lived as long and richly as he did. May the warm memories of John’s life be of comfort to you at this time.

Joan Roche-Davis
15 years ago

John has touched and inspired so many people, young and old. His positive energy and spirit will live on. I am so honored to have known him, he was and always will have a special place in my heart. My condolences to his daughter, his family and his friends. Thank you Claude for the effort you make to provide the platform for people to understand the history, very enlightening. Many blessings.

15 years ago

John and I did some hoops talk years ago. Smoooth as butter. Sweet in his comments. Nature took another “roots” guy. The “short pants” guys will remember him for who he was…not, what he tried to be.

15 years ago

This is a very sad time for me because John was an exemplary citizen and a great person. I am so happy I had the opportunity to meet, know, and to honor him with induction in addition to presenting him with a outstanding basketball achievement award in Atlanta City in 2005. I will truly miss him.

15 years ago

I did speak a couple of times with Isaacs….he was the “roots” of basketball. Nature has its way with all of us. The “short pants” guys will always excel.

Karlos R. LaSane, II
15 years ago

John,
You blessed me with your friendship ! That is the highest honor in life one can give to another ! Thank you for all the wonderful memories !

What a Life !!!

R.I.P.

Karlos

15 years ago

That’s a lovely photo at the end, Claude, and I’m so sorry for the passing of your friend.

15 years ago

Growing up a baller in Harlem, I have had the pleasure of knowing John since my teens in the 60’s. He was a class act through and through, and never wavered in his almost evangelical insistence upon excellence in all of us with whom he generously shared company He inspired by deed not word, and he grew ever more relevent and compelling as he aged.

Ian Henry
15 years ago

I am really blessed to read of the rens, I first learned about them in reading basketball books, as a player of the best game in the world, this taught me that I didn’t know a lot about basketball’s truest winners who were denied the opportunity to compete. I am so proud to read of this brother, John Issacs and i am honoured to read about his legacy and his style as a human being and how he blessed those around him. I am deep sorry for his loss of life, but the legacy will live on and also be an inspiration to live as a a decent human being. Deepest condolances to his family.

Sloan Toussaint Baptiste
15 years ago

My deepest condolences go out to the Isaac Family, he was a pioneer & basketball legend. He gave back to the community by always being an inspiration & someone 2 look up to. We must never let his memory & efforts be forgotten. R.I.P. Bro. John Isaac you will be greatly missed by all. 1ove.

15 years ago

To the family of John, my life changed for the better after I met John. It was my pleasure to honor him in Atlantic City in 2005. He was a tremendous basketball player but a better person. He lived life to the fullest and never said no when someone wanted his autograph or a photo. He would attend my inducton ceremonies in NY or whatever, and bring a supply of photos and signed each one when someone wanted it. I never observed or heard him ask anyone for payment for these photos and autographs. In short, he was a giver! He will be missed by me and millions of others.

15 years ago

I recently learned of John Isaacs when I bcame involved with Black Fives and The Harlem Magic Masters. Mr. Isaacs was a true treasure in our community and we should make sure that his memory is always celebrated for future generations. If we fail to remember where we have been and the trails that were blazed, we weaken the foundation of our community. I will volunteer for any effort that is being put forth to make sure John Isaacs is voted into the NBA HAll of Fame. John Isaacs was no less than a World Champion and it is up to us to MAKE SURE that is recognized. My condolences to the family and the community on the loss of this great man. I pray that God will hold the family in the palm of HIS hand and give us the strength to carry on this amazing legacy.

Ron Thomas
15 years ago

I met John only twice, and they both could not have been more fitting of his entire life. The first time was when I interviewed him with his Rens teammate, Pop Gates, as they entertained me for three hours with stories about the old days.

The last time was at the Apollo Theater debut of the movie “Black Magic” about the history of basketball at historically black colleges. Even then, at 93, John was moving as quickly as someone in his mid-50s, and the younger woman who accompanied him had trouble keeping up with him.

That was John — a man on the move on and off the court

the Paul & Jones Family
15 years ago

First I would like to extend my deepest sorrow for the family of John Issac. I would also like to extend my deepest sorrow for the Madison Avenue Boys & Girls Club and their loss. Mr. Issac was Madison Avenue Boys & Girls Club he kept a lot of children on the right path in life and they have had the experience of knowing hands on a great legend. My children who are adults now have been member of this club my son Cleveland (CJ) is still a member of the basketball team and he goes to the weight room. My daughter Heather was also a member and a summer youth worker there. As for myself I would always exchange books with him & Lugo. Yvette

Ed Cales
15 years ago

It was a great honor for me to know Coach Isaacs both at the Boys & Girls club and at New York Life Ins. Co. He was a great inspiration to me and taught me a great deal about the game and life. These are things that I will carry for the rest of my life. He was a pioneer and always provided a wealth of knowledge. God bless you “Coach” John Isaacs.

[…] weeks later Isaacs was gone too. More tears. More stories to […]