San Bernardino, CA — Al Jury, a towering figure in the Inland Empire community, passed away at age 83 on November 7. Known for his deep roots in the region, Jury’s life spanned a commitment to youth mentorship and a groundbreaking career in sports officiating that left an indelible mark on both his community and the professional sports world.
Born on August 22, 1941, in San Bernardino, Jury distinguished himself early on as a multi-sport athlete at Pacific High School, excelling in four sports. His passion for athletics seamlessly transitioned into dual careers in sports officiating and coaching which began in his youth. This fervor for sports led him to notable heights, including a prestigious stint as an NFL referee and a long tenure with the California Highway Patrol.
Jury’s influence extended well beyond the playing fields of his high school to the professional echelons of the NFL, where he became one of the pioneering Black referees in a predominantly white field. He began his NFL career in 1978 after officiating in the PAC-8, now known as the Pac-12, setting the foundation for many who would follow in his footsteps. His tenure in the NFL was marked by 26 seasons during which he officiated 21 playoff games, including a record five Super Bowls — XX, XXII, XXIV, XXVIII, and XXXIV. His trailblazing path reached a memorable pinnacle when he became the first referee to officiate five Super Bowls.
Despite his professional accolades, Jury is fondly remembered for his dedication to the youth in his community. His true joys were found in coaching and officiating at high school basketball games and mentoring young athletes. Jury’s legacy includes his time both on and off the NFL fields, particularly emphasized through his longtime involvement with local youth sports.
Moreover, Jury was honored for his contribution to youth sports two years ago when he and the 1972 CAC Little League Baseball team were celebrated by the City of San Bernardino. This team, which Jury coached, is noted in local history as the only Black little league baseball team to win a State Championship, symbolizing a significant cultural achievement under his leadership.
Outside of sports, Jury also contributed significantly to public safety during his 28-year career with the California Highway Patrol, further demonstrating his commitment to his community.
His personal life was filled with the warmth of a large family, including his wife Louise, three sons: Al Jr., Keith, and Donnie, and a lineage that spans grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward his legacy of community service and passion for sports.
The loss of Al Jury marks the end of an era for the Inland Empire, mourning a man who was much more than an officiant on the field — he was a mentor, a community leader, and a role model.
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