ONE | system 04/16/2024 17:20
Shawn James with the children and friends from Maccabi Tel Aviv (Instagram)
Shawn James, one of Maccabi Tel Aviv’s favorite players of the previous decade, shared yesterday (Monday) about a difficult tragedy that befell his family. His wife Melissa died suddenly as a result of a complication in surgery.
The former actor wrote on Instagram: “I lost the love of my life last night. I will not be able to answer the messages, prayers are really appreciated. This is a very difficult and emotional time for me, for our children and for everyone who knew and loved my beloved.”
Melissa Kowalski James was a basketball player at Northeastern College. The two married more than 15 years ago, she accompanied him throughout most of his career and they had twins, Brooklyn and Brayden, who are now 13 years old.
Shawn James’ story (Instagram)
The two had a basketball game in the children’s group where they play and despite the loss they were not ready to give it up. They showed up for the game and received great support from family and friends including some acquaintances.
James shared on Instagram that Joe Ingles, Tyrese Rice and Ricky Hickman, his teammates at Maccabi in the great 2013/14 season, came: “Our boys had a game and they insisted on playing, the support for them was unmatched.”
The center came to Israel as a Bnei Hasharon player, starred in Media and received a contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv, played Media between 2011 and 2014. Later he also moved to Milan and Olympiakos before retiring from basketball in October 2018.
Maccabi Tel Aviv BC sends its deepest condolences to former captain and dear friend @shawnjamesbk and his family for the passing of beloved Melissa. Our hearts go out to you during this time of sorrow and the entire Maccabi family mourns with you. May her memory be blessed pic.twitter.com/ETctpSin3A
— Maccabi Tel Aviv BC (@MaccabiTLVBC) April 16, 2024
Maccabi Tel Aviv also sent its condolences to the former captain and wrote on Twitter: “Maccabi sends its deepest condolences to the former captain and his family on the passing of the beloved Melissa. Our hearts are with you in this unfortunate time and the entire Maccabi family mourns with you.”
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