Lifelong Inland Empire resident Al Jury was a local legend. Throughout his celebrated life, Jury influenced thousands of individuals and mentored hundreds of youth. If you played youth sports in the area between 1960’s and 1990’s you more than likely crossed paths with Al Jury at some point.

 The Inland Empire will mourn the loss of Al Jury, it’s local legend. Jury recently passed on Wednesday, November 7 at the age of 83.

 Jury was born in San Bernardino on August 22, 1941. He was a talented multi-sport athlete who lettered in four sports while attending Pacific High School. In addition to being a standout athlete in multiple sports, Jury also officiated and coached multiple sports. He began officiating and coaching at a very young age. His love for sports and officiating led him to the NFL where he became a record setting referee calling NFL games for 26 seasons. Before the NFL, Jury was a referee in the then PAC-8 beginning in 1970. He joined the NFL ranks in 1978, making him one of the first Black NFL referees paving the way for many to come after him. Jury was a Back Judge. Jury also had a 28 year career with the CA Highway Patrol.

 During his NFL career, Jury worked 21 playoff games, three wild card games, eight divisional playoffs, five conference championships and a record five Super Bowls including Super Bowl XX, XXII, XXIV, XXVIII and XXXIV. Jury was the first referee to work five Super Bowls.

 Jury’s NFL tenure came to a sudden end after suffering a broken leg during a game in 2004. He retired at the of the 2004 season and became an assistant officiating supervisor and trainer, where he served six years as a replay official. Jury worked as an observer for the NFL in 2013. In 2014 Jury was presented with the Art McNally Award.

 Despite his storied and well-traveled career as an NFL referee, Jury most enjoyed his time coaching the youth and refereeing high school basketball games. Working in that capacity kept him close to the community and he had an impact on the youth.

 Jury was recently celebrated for his accomplishments as a little league baseball coach. Two years ago, Jury and the 1972 CAC Little League Baseball team was honored by the City of San Bernardino as the only Black little league baseball team to win a State Championship.

 Jury leaves behind his wife Louise, three sons Al Jr., Keith and Donnie, a host grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.