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, 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.
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.
I met John recently at an event at the Foot locker store in Harlem.
He was bright, energetic and full of fascinating stories.
Several people offered him rides home, but at 93, he preferred to take the subway, with his backpack and very light jacket, even though it was chilly out side.
That is my memory, the first and last time I spent with him, I will cherish forever. Thanks Claude for making the introduction!May he rest in peace.
Claude, I was very sorry to hear of your friend John’s passing. The picture of you two with your hand resting on his shoulder reflects your affection for him. He looked like a reaL “SWEETIE PIE” to me. I’m sorry for your loss personally and also for our loss as a community. My prayers to John’s family and to yours.
I had the privilege to speak with Mr. Isaacs a few years ago, he has a great spirit. His legacy will continue and always be remembered. My condolences to his family and friends.
Through my job, I met John 10 years or so ago up in Harlem where this most charming man spoke with passion, honour and a real sense of fun about his part in the shaping of the game.
I’d met and talked with the likes of Shaq and Kobe in similar circumstances, and there are no two ways about it, ‘The Boy Wonder’ is my cherished memory.
Very special man, It takes special people to work wit children and to do it so long ,AMAZING….think of the lives changed
Claude,
Thanks for the note, but I am deeply saddened by the contents.
It is, moreover, quite unfair to have to even think of a world without Johnny Isaacs.
His wry, wiry, energetic and enthusiastic presence made it possible to think the clock would never run him down while he was still on the court.
But we have been blessed to have known him, heard him, and be inspired and challenged by him. I only hope we can live up to his challenges and his exuberance for life and righteousness.
My sympathies go out to his family and friends.
He will be deeply missed.
Regards,
Bob Allen
The Souls of Black Baseball
dreamsdeferred.org
It’s safe to say Mr. I was truly one of a kind. I made his acquaintance a couple years ago while penning a cover story for the NBA’s Hoop Magazine about his time as one of the leaders of the legendary Harlem Rens. Since then, we talked incessantly about all his journeys, adventures and experiences, not to mention our respective love of the game.
Though our views differed about some things, those were always treasured moments, instances I looked forward to and was forever grateful for. Today, Mr. I has moved on to a better place, one where he always command an audience that will never tire of being schooled to the ways of the game by a man that has made all our burdens a bit easier to care.
May God keep and bless you Mr. I in the same way you did so many of us who had the pleasure of sharing in your being. PEACE.
I just found out about Mr. Isaacs and truly know I was blessed to have just known him for a time. I did an interview (one of my first ) with Mr. Boy Wonder in 2003. I loved sitting back and listening to the stories and wondering ‘how can he remember so much about 70 years ago’. If you never had the chance to meet him I hope that you go and read some of his interviews because he was a person that you felt privilaged to have met. I remember he told me the 5 P’s= Proper Perpetration Prevents Poor Performance which means in essence that if you prepare for something properly it will prevent a poor performance. I just wanted to add a note of respect and the hope that we all take time to remember what it took for barrack to be President was not just him but many that paved the way for World Championship and not Negro World Champions. That is from a story Mr. Issacs told me about him cutting off the Negro from his World Champion jacket. They had beat an all white team for the title but the Negro was added after they won. He believed himself to be nothing less than a World Champion… and even with the short time I spent with him I know he was.
Like Ron, I only met The Man once. And the caps are intentional. Though he was in his mid-90’s, he was more lively than anyone I have met- so much so that I cannot imagine him lifeless. I remember how quick-witted he was as he autographed those Rens posters for little kids, and the phone conversation we had circa 1999 before he mailed me one.
Claude, it was through Black Fives I learned about John. Thanks for the education. To John, thanks for blessing us with your presence and being the trailblazer you were.
Although I did not personally meet Mr. Isaacs…I can deeply say that he and the rest of the Harlem Rens have had an impact on my life. My prayers go out to his family! He may not be with us anymore but he has left a lot of spirit for us that live to embrace!!! R.I.P. Good Friend!
My fondest memories of John are listening to him tell stories about basketball in the lobby of New York Life Insurance Company where we worked together for many years. John loved to talk about his basketball days.
I also had the great pleasure of seeing him again while vacationing in Jamaica a couple of years ago. We were at the same hotel! I met his daughter too. It was so nice to see him again.
Our prayers are with John’s family and loved ones.
Regretfully,
Germaine
I was lucky enough to meet John. Since our first meeting we stayed in contact and spoke often on the phone.
I will miss John he was an amazing man his energy was unbelievable. I will That wonderful smile he had as told you a story of the past. The last time I saw John was at the 2008 NYC Basketball Hall of Fame dinner. He was as funny as ever witty and charming. I will truly miss my friend.
My condolences to his family, and all of his kids.
This unfortunate event is a reminder why blackfives is so important. Most of the trailblazing African American basketball players of that era have either passed on, or are in the twilight of there lives, so it is our job to continue there legacy, and never let the world forget their accomplishments, nor the lives that they lived! R.I.P. JOHN ISSACS.
Mark
Claude,
About two years ago, I met John Isaacs at a Black Fives event in Harlem. I gained knowledge of him through purchasing your RENS jersey which I had on that day. He regaled many of us there with his tales of what happened way back in the day. I was struck by his energy, his sheer presence. At 91, he seemed like a prince. That is how I will remember him.
Thanks for bringing him to life for me.
Greg
I am so sorry to hear the passing of my friend Mr John Isaacs, I met him at the boys and girls clubs, we was a good friend, and a inspiration to me and all who knew him. I will miss you and may God Bless You.
I just wanted to mention a word to back up my cousin Roni. Since I am the youngest of the Washington, Jenkins Crew, I have only known Grandfather John as Grandfather John. I will continue to do that. I will always have fond memories of him and spending time with him and Mimi. We will miss you Grandfather John.
Life, what a gift and I was blessed with the gift of John’s presence.
At a very young age my four sisters and 5 cousins grew up knowing John Isaac and believing that he was our grandfather. We called him Grandfather John. Our beloved grandmother, Viola Natalie Emptage, aka Mimi and John were our grandparents that’s what we knew. Many summers at the beach and visits with our grandparents at Lenox Terrace. Later, much later, I learned he was a man who had a loving relationshiops with Mimi.
A tall handsome, witty, athletic, warm and wonderful man with a sense of humor and a legendary ball player who often played ball with one of my sisters.
Grandfather John gave each of us many thing to ponder and has left us with fond memories. To the other family members, we send our sincere sympthy, love and blessings. I speak for my sisters and cousins when I say, we’ll miss you Grandfather John, and we love you.
The Washingtons and the Jenkins Family
I’ve thought for two days now about something brief to say about a man who I met nearly 22 years ago and whose existence changed my career and my life, without tears flowing every time. It was because of John that my dissertation topic at Penn State changed from “Women’s involvement in the Turner Movement” to the “History of the New York Renaissance Professional Black Basketball Team.” I figured I’d do a little research on this Rens team and write a 30 page independent study paper. Instead, a whole new world opened up for me, a world of history that I had never been taught in school. I became both outraged and excited going through the Amsterdam News and other “black” newspapers on microfilm issue by issue, but determined that my students would never endure the ignorance that I had been fed. Throughout the years I stayed in close contact with “the man” a.k.a. “Missster Issacs” (my nickname’s for John) and enjoyed meeting up with him at the Schomburg Library a few times each year to grab a bite to eat or just talk. What a priviledge it has been to learn about and attend the John Hunter Camp Fund Luncheon, to share a Chris Botti Jazz concert at the Blue Note, and to reintroduce him to the music of Earth, Wind & Fire at a short-lived musical “Hot Feet” a few years back. Mostly, I always feel honored to be in his presence, to be walking and talking with a living history book and to feel accepted as a part of his world. I’ll forever be grateful and indebted to John Isaacs. I’ll miss him more than I can express. I just know he’s in Renaissance heaven telling his endless stories to his roomie – Pop Gates, Bob Douglas and the other Rens and Bears – and they are rolling their eyes as he makes another lightning fast pass down the court. Take care buddy – I love you!
It was truly an honor to know John Isaacs! We met at 145th and Lenox in the Fall of 05′, I remember it like it was yesterday. We talked basketball and life. He even drove me around Harlem so I could see the site of the Harlem Renaissance Ballroom and Casino. I’m so inspired by his generosity and dedication to youth! My condolences to his friends and family.
PEACE AND LOVE TO THE ISSAC FAMILY. WILL CONTINUE TO HONOR THIS MAN BY TEACHING OUR YOUTH THIS RICH PART OF OUR HISTORY.
ANTHONY OLIVER
JA LEGACY SPORTSWEAR
Mr. Isaacs,
That’s what I called him. Anything else just didn’t sound right to me!!!
Mr. Isaacs was a walking, talking encyclopedia. Sports was his springboard. Life was his Forte. Thusly my life was enriched. He called me Massure Lautreque Excuse the spelling). I don’t know what it meant but anything he called me was fine! Mr. Isaacs’ passing is like losing a great library…..Gee, So many books I didn’t read!!! However I’m ever so greatful for the ones I did!!!
I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Isaacs when my cousin was doing a story on him for her thesis and I tagged along. It was a memorable afternoon as he shared his life and thoughts and then drove us around the neighborhood with a “crick” in his neck and a disregard for staying inside his lane. No one ever inspired me so much in so little time. He is surely delighting the angels.
I’ve never met anyone who has left such a lasting impression on my life the way Mr. Isaacs has!
I met him about fifteen years ago. We were suppose to do a 20 minute interview…and three hours
later I realized that not only did I get a lesson on the Rens but a true lesson on what life is and could be! When I heard of his passing, I like everyone else was sadden, but knowing all that he has
given us through his time and efforts I’ve come to accept that he is not gone, he’s just taking a time
out because his spirit is needed in another place! We talked about his not being in the Naismith Hall
of Fame, but that didn’t matter to him. Those of us that have had the pleasure of knowing him know
that what he has done to touch the many people in his community will far exceed what a plague in a room could ever say. My prayers go out to your family and your spirit. Your spirit will live forever! R.I.P Mr. Isaacs!
my pleasure of meeting mr. Isaaccs, came back in the 60’s at the boys club on freeman st. and southern blvd. someone I could always look up to and learn from. my condolences to his family.
That’s very sad news. I had the opportunity to hear him speak with Kareem Abdul Jabbar at Rucker Park a few years ago. He was so full of life, energy and optimism, that he inspired me to be better at what I do.
Rip Mr. Isaacs.
SOMETIMES IT’S HARD TO WRITE AND OR SPEAK ABOUT THOSE WHO HAVE
MEANT A LOT TO ALL OF US…..FOR THOSE WHO KNEW “JOHNNIE THE BOY
WONDER” UNDERSTAND THAT ALL TOO WELL….
IT WAS MY GREAT PLEASURE TO HAVE BEEN A PART OF THE SAME
“BASKETBALL GANG” JOHN WAS…
AND THAT “BASKETBALL GANG” IS POSITIVE AND MEMBERSHIP IS
“ETERNAL”
JOHN IS OF THE KIND OF BASKETBALL ROYALTY THAT ONE CAN ONLY “HOPE”
TO MEET AND SPEAK TOO…LET ALONE BE A PART OF HIS “WIT” AND “STEEL
TRAP MIND”
TO HAVE BE ASSOCIATED WITH HIM IS A BLESSING ….
I HAD THE GREAT PLEASURE (ASIDE FROM BASKETBALL) TO HAVE HOSTED
A RADIO SHOW WITH JOHN… WE DID ROUGHLY 250 SHOWS WHICH JOHN
PARTICIPATED IN AT LEAST 125 OF THEM (AGE HAS IT’S PRIVILEGE)
THE STORIES ABOUT HIS EXPLOITS AND EXPERIENCE ARE PRICELESS
…..FROM STORIES ABOUT THE LANGSTON HUGHES ERA IN HARLEM TO HIS
“OPINE” REGARDING MODERN DAY PLAYERS ARE THE STUFF OF LEGENDS
AND THE “IN BETWEEN STORY” … HIS EXPLAINING THE ORIGIN OF
“CAGERS” WHEN THE GAME WAS PLAYED IN “STEEL CAGES” …..HIS TALK OF
HIS TRAVELS THROUGH AMERICA DURING A TIME WHEN BEING BLACK WAS
NOT COOL…. HIS WITNESS TO 4 WARS AND A AMERICA MOST OF US WOULD
NEVER UNDERSTAND…..HIS LEGENDARY BASKETBALL HISTORIAN MIND EVEN
WHEN HE WAS IN HIS LATE EIGHTIES AND EARLY NINETY’S…….THE
BASKETBALL NAMES AND PLACES HE COULD RATTLE OFF AND EXPOUND
ABOUT….AND EVEN THEN HE STILL HAD THE SKILL AND MIND TO DRIVE A CAR
AND I OFTEN HITCHED A RIDE FROM THE RADIO STATION WITH HIM…..
I THINK JOHN WAS REALLY PROUD OF HIS ACCOMPLISHMENT
WITH THE RENS….. THAT WHEN IT IS ALL SAID AND DONE WAS THE “RIGHT
STUFF”
NO JOHN WAS NOT ONLY A “HARLEM LEGEND”BUT A “LEGEND OF THE GAME”
AND MOST OF ALL A “LEGEND OF LIFE”
A LIFE THAT WILL NEVER EVER BE FORGOTTEN…..
MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO THE ISAAC FAMILY. HE WAS TRULY A COMMUNITY ORGANIZER AN HERO. I KNEW HIM FOR OVER 35 YRS.
I so sorry to hear the news about John. Throughout my work with the Obama campaign over the last eighteen months I have been keenly aware of the many people who with the way they lived their lives helped change the world and make President Obama’s election possible
And I have also mourned the loss of so many of them, my sweet wife among them, who made the movement possible in it’s infancy, but died before the triumph. So I thank John Issacs for the gifts he so freely gave us and remember him with love and affection.
Sincerely
Robin Bugbee
To an Elder-Pioneer who has definitey helped make it possible for me to walk, run, dribble, excel on the court of life. My condolences go out to his family and friends…Ashay!
I want to send my deepest blessings and condolences to the Isaac’s family. John lived a long fulfilling life and at 93 still looked his best. You are in our thoughts, prayers and hearts!
Love Samantha
I can not express how much I admired Mr. Isaacs. As a self proclaimed Basketball historian I started writing to Mr. Isaacs back in the mid 90s and he was kind enough to sign some autographs for me and send me information about his legendary Basketball career. I stayed in touch through the years and actually got to meet him in person when he came to a Syracuse University Basketball game to see the jersey of his friend Wilmeth Sidat Singh get retired. He was kind enough to meet with me at his hotel where he signed my Rens jersey and I had a photo taked with him. He was always very kind and had so much knowledge of the game to share. I have no idea why the Basketball Hall Of Fame, continues to deny this true legend of the sport his rightfull place amongst the greats of the game. RIP Boy Wonder
Aww mr isaacs ima miss u so muchhh i remembah times wen u wud yell at me in da boys n qurls club and u tauqht me about basketball and da correct way 2 play pool wen i was yunqer i will neva forqhit u yOuhr truly missed I LOVE U. see u wen i qhit der
xOxO-Dee dee
We were all “Blessed” to have met, spend time and having the opportunity for you giving us life lessons. I will always remember you staying “It’s nice to be noticed but it is more important to be nice.” Thanks Mr. Isaacs for always sharing your time and knowledge. My condolences to your family and close friends.
I, too, learned about John Isaacs via Claude Johnson, when Claude hipped us at APBR to Mr Isaacs’ incredible memory of long-forgotten seminal Rens of the Thirties. Once Mr Isaacs took a phone call from me on his Sunday radio show & was kind enough to provide wonderful detail about a hero from our hometown in Southern Indiana. Now that John Isaacs is gone, I’m familiar w/ only one player remaining of the Black Fives era who knows first-hand what it was like to guard Johnny Wooden in his prime.
So Sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Isaacs, I’ve known Mr. Isaacs since 1969, met him while playing ball at The Madison Square Boys Club on Hoe Ave in the Bronx. To hear this man explain how the game is supposed to be played and how you played it can have lasting efffect on how you lived your life, sharing, caring,making your teammate feel like your brother instead of an adversary. To hear the man speak just made you thirst for more if you loved the game. All I’d like to tell his children, Gloria,John Jr.,Devora, Carol (Cookie) and Alex is that your father has earned the right to die, god bless him and his family
Claude, I can’t say anything that deals with saying I offer sympathy or feel sorry for the family of John “Boy Wonder” Isaacs. Those type of words don’t do justice to what John was and is all about. I love the energy, I love the spirit, I love the commitment, I love the learning, I love the teaching, and most of all, I love John Isaacs.
You, see, this morning I spoke to Sakradean, John’s son, and he told me in a very strong and dignified voice that his father had made the transition from this planet to the other world of no pain and worries! Instead of feeling sad, I felt glad and happy for John Isaacs. My heart was broken and tears rolled down my memories of all the good times John and I spent together over the last ten years.
I see John gliding across the Delaware State University Campus, speaking to all who came within ear shot about his world travels and how the love he had for basketball introduced him to Kings, Queens, and all the “Youth” he guided out of harms way. John is smooth as he weaves his tale of history through the racist southern towns of America via club car trains of an earlier century. His poignant descriptions painted an exciting image in my minds eye and I got all excited and eager to hear the next line of intrigue. I was mezmerized by John Isaacs and I treated him with reverence, but at the same time he allowed me to be just another partner buddy shooting the shit. John took me under his wing and I became the student he always wanted around to impart life’s lessons as well as a basketball play that worked in his day and today. John was a true student of basketball and life was the extension that allowed him dribble down life’s highway. The man was intricate, funny, poetic, classy, interesting, and always full of a story to teach you a lesson and give him another laugh at your expense.
John was born in 1915, but he was a child of Hip Hop in the sense that all the things he did were for the generation now! He loved mingling, talking, and teaching today’s young people about taking care of business and being good citizens. His work at the Hoe Avenue Boys Club was not a job, it was a mission to teach and save another generation and put another notch on his belt of I did what was needed for “My” children! I’ll always remember the memories, high fives, the room full of laughter, and the continuous teaching.
I went to Einstein Hospital on Eastchester Road in the Bronx and talked with John for about an hour about the things we did together in the last five or six months. I asked John to fight through the stroke and the other ailments that held him the bed like a straight jacket. I could see John fighting for life and wanting to speak as I talked with him. I told John, I know you can’t talk, but if you hear me, just tighten your grip on my hand. To my surprise, John’s hand tightened on my grasp. I felt great for that moment of communication that came between my friend and me. I witnessed the “Lion” fighting for survival and the instructments that were assisting him in that fight made me sad. I finally saw John being pushed by time and a moment. I shed some tears down the road of my inner feelings for this man that I had come to love over the last ten years. I’ll miss everything about John Isaacs. He is and will always be my Friend.
In concluding, there’ll be no conclusion. Memories of the things that John and I did, especially over the last four years, will surf my mind forever. I’ll enjoy the laughter of our jokes and his story of how life treated him. We were separated by thirty years plus, but we hung out together at present day Black College Home Coming Classics. He the point that collected crowds and me, the witness to his greatness. I was privileged to share time with the great Icon and human being, Mr. John “Boy Wonder” Isaacs. John has the crowd around him now and he’s telling them the story of how he learned to speak French during some exceptional experience as he traveled through Europe!
Love Is Our Friendship,
Zachary C. Husser, Sr.
I have heard of many legends in my lifetime, but I am truly honored to have known one. One who made me and many others feel a sense of pride and togetherness. I met Mr. Isaacs at the Pelham Fritz Basketball League where he and many other ballplayers would meet up on Sundays in Harlem. We would watch the games and shoot the breeze. I would always engage him in conversations just to learn something new that day. I can only imagine all of the obstacles this man had encountered and hurdled growing up. My condolences go out to his family and love ones. God Bless! RIP
R.I.P Mr. Issac.
My twins Eddie and Edwin grew up to be great black productive men in this society and you are a proud part of that. They would always come home the Boys Club talking about their great talks with you and looking forward to the next day of going back to hear your comments about their basketball skills and looking forward to another tournament that you sponsored. Years later I had another son Joshua who also enjoyed the pleasure of your “Daily Comments” and he was also able to be a part of basketball tournaments that you were a part of. Thank you for touching my family. You are Missed.
Ms. Annette Smith
Looks like Heaven’s team is getting more and more complete!
As My French wife says: Au revoir John Isaac! (not good bye but “until we meet again”)
John Finn
I learned about the legendary John Isaacs through my friend Claude Johnson. I was amazed and touched by John’s story and his zest for life into his 90’s. I only hope I can have as rich a life as John.
God Bless and may we all learn from John and pay it forward.
I think a lot of young black men need to read about a ICON as John was, because when I frist meet this man at a basketball game of The Legends that host on Sundays in Harlems Boy’s and Girls Choir of Harlem. I was just blown away of his wisdom and knowledge of the game of basketball. You just don’t know how much this man is going to be missed.
I have known the entire Isaacc’s family since I was a young man. John inspired me to play basketball. I will never forget him. My condolences to the Isaacs family. May he rest in peace.
i first met john 21 years ago, at the Hoe Avenue Boys and Girls Club. i was working in the summer camp program, dragging my 2 year old son along with me. John Isaacs was the first person i met, and, as i came to know him better, i was really glad that i was never on the cutting edge of his tongue…. see, not only did Mr. Isaacs, have so much to say, he was eloquent, in the kinda way Black folks are.
To hear him talk about what it was like for him playing ball in the South. To hear him call me “NIcole”, my middle name, the name my Dad gave me when i was born. To hear him crack jokes on Earl “The Pearl” Monroe when we went into the cafe on 135th Street.
He once spoke at a friend’s funeral and told people that sometimes people transition because we need them more on the other side. given the times, the challenges many of us are facing, the angels chose one of our best.
my condolences to his family, all of his kids, and all those he touched,
claudia nicole whittingham
My heart is broken. I had the pleasure of talking to Mr. Isaacs for hours on the telephone. Last year we honored him at the Tinner Hill Black History Celebration and Celebrity Basketball game. It was the second time I had met him and I immediately admired him. He caught the plane to us last Feb. alone (I had my grandson drop me at the airport) and sat and simply waited for us to pick him up (he did not have a cell phone with him) Never complaining once about anything the whole weekend he was here. He was a beautiful soul and set an amazing example for us to follow. His family has our deepest sympathy.
Ed and Nikki Henderson
[…] 752 […]
SLAM Magazine just made the touching an fitting gesture of re-publishing this article about John Isaacs: Harlem When
Our deepest sympathies go out to the Isaacs’ family. What a wonderful man! About three years ago my son, Dan, became interested in the Rens from some things said to him by his grandfather. He decided to develop the topic and write an original essay for the NYC NAACP essay contest, but before he actually wrote it he found Mr. Isaacs at the Madison Square Garden Boys and Girls Club in the Bronx. We went down and spent some time with Mr. Isaacs, who we found not only to be a fountain of history and knowledge, but the most gracious and kind person imaginable. The truth is he kept making all these interesting points about basketball and life while repeatedly quoting Shakespeare to underline his meaning. To say he was generous with his time and experiences would be an understatement. My son and I will treasure that meeting and the poster he graciously signed for us forever. By the way,Dan’s essay on the Rens won first place in the NYC NAACP original essay competition and represented NYC in the National contest. Never could have done it without you Mr. Isaacs! But I think you all ready knew that. Thank you.
Peace & Love Pop Isaacs,
I had the pleasure of being Mr. I’s, daughter-in-law from 1981 until 1994 and it was my blessing to have shared some wonderful moments with him and the rest of the Isaacs family. He always said to me it’s okay to be “a legend in my own mind”. He will always be my personal legend and we will all miss him and the joy he brought to our lives. R.I.P. Dad
Fatimah Gladden
MR. ISAACS WAS A GREAT MAN . H