Bridgeman, known as well for 12 years as a small forward/shooting with the Milwaukee Bucks, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 71. His death has created a void in both the basketball and the business worlds, where he was widely admired as a self-made success.

Junior Bridgeman, a former NBA pro who served on the PGA of America board and was an owner in Valhalla Golf Club, died Tuesday in Louisville, Kentucky. He was 71. "The PGA of America mourns the passing of Junior Bridgeman,

By nearly every standard, Junior Bridgeman had a successful professional basketball career. His sudden passing has spotlighted his basketball and even more successful business careers.