Although never having a father figure when growing up, LeBron had the influence of a stepfather named Eddie Jackson. In 1990, he spent three years in jail for cocaine trafficking - something which hasn't prevented James from explaining the importance of having a father figure present during his formative years. His mother, Gloria James, once spent a week in custody - although her imprisonment is far easier to sympathise with, due to nothing more than minor charges of disorderly conduct. She has stayed out of trouble before and since, and LeBron has always been very public about the crucial role of his mother in his success.
