Noel J. Mickelson is an American artist, sculptor, and former art restorer, best known as the first wife of 11-time NBA champion head coach Phil Jackson. Married from 1967 to 1972, the couple met at the University of North Dakota and had one daughter, Elizabeth (Brooke) Jackson, before peacefully divorcing.
Key Takeaways
- Artistic Focus: Noel J. Mickelson built a private, respected career as a sculptor, designer, and art preservation specialist.
- Higher Education: She met Phil Jackson while attending the University of North Dakota in the mid-1960s.
- Marriage Timeline: The pair married in 1967 and navigated Jackson’s early playing years with the New York Knicks before divorcing in 1972.
- Parenting: She is the mother of Jackson’s eldest child, Elizabeth (Brooke) Jackson.
- Private Life: Mickelson deliberately chose a quiet, creative lifestyle away from sports media attention.
Who Is Noel J. Mickelson? Overview & Early Background
While sports history primarily remembers the late 1960s as the beginning of Phil Jackson’s legendary basketball journey, those close to him during his formative college years remember Noel J. Mickelson.
Born and raised in the American Midwest, Mickelson demonstrated an early talent for visual arts, structural crafting, and studio design. Unlike many public figures associated with high-profile professional athletes, Mickelson kept her focus firmly on fine arts and craftsmanship rather than public celebrity.
Academic Years at the University of North Dakota
In the mid-1960s, Mickelson enrolled at the University of North Dakota (UND) in Grand Forks. During her time on campus, she pursued coursework in fine arts and humanities.
It was during these college years that she met Philip Douglas Jackson, a towering, standout forward for the UND Fighting Sioux men’s basketball team coached by Bill Fitch. The two bonded quickly over shared interests in art, philosophy, and nature, establishing a close relationship as Jackson’s athletic profile grew across the region.
Marriage to Phil Jackson (1967–1972)
After graduating from college, Noel J. Mickelson and Phil Jackson married in 1967. The year 1967 marked a pivotal turning point for the couple, as Jackson was drafted in the second round of the 1967 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks.
College Romance and Early NBA Life in New York
Moving from rural North Dakota to New York City was a significant culture shock for both young newlyweds. As Jackson adapted to the physical demands of professional basketball under Knicks head coach Red Holzman, Mickelson immersed herself in the vibrant art scene of late-1960s New York.
During the early NBA season schedules, she supported Jackson through his early playing years, including his recovery from major spinal fusion surgery in 1969 that forced him to sit out the Knicks’ 1970 championship season.
The 1960s Counterculture Era and Personal Growth
The late 1960s and early 1970s brought immense cultural shifts across America. Both Mickelson and Jackson were drawn to alternative lifestyle choices, environmentalism, spiritual exploration, and progressive art movements.
They spent summers off from the NBA season exploring the Pacific Northwest, Montana, and rural regions, seeking a grounded lifestyle away from professional sports arenas. However, as Jackson’s lifestyle and travel commitments expanded, the couple realized their long-term personal paths were diverging.
Defying Social Norms in the Civil Rights Era
When Mickelson and Amos married in 1965, interracial marriage remained strictly illegal in roughly 16 states across the country. The couple faced considerable social resistance, racial prejudice, and systemic hurdles during the early years of their relationship.
It was not until two years later, in 1967, that the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Loving v. Virginia officially invalidated laws prohibiting interracial marriage nationwide. Despite the intense social climate of the 1960s Civil Rights movement, Mickelson and Amos stood firmly together, providing mutual support as Amos transitioned from professional football into a successful acting career.
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Noel J. Mickelson’s Children and Family Life
During their five-year marriage, Noel J. Mickelson and Phil Jackson welcomed one child together:
- Elizabeth “Brooke” Jackson (born in 1969)
Brooke Jackson was raised with a strong appreciation for nature, athletics, and creative expression. Despite her parents’ separation in 1972, both Mickelson and Jackson maintained a cooperative, friendly co-parenting dynamic to ensure their daughter grew up in a supportive, grounded environment.
Phil Jackson later remarried in 1974 to his second wife, June Jackson, with whom he had four additional children: June, Charles, Ben, and Chloe.
Career and Creative Pursuits: An Artist in Her Own Right
Many online biographies incorrectly simplify Noel J. Mickelson as merely a celebrity ex-spouse. In reality, she spent decades cultivating an independent career as a visual creator and artisan.
Sculpture, Art Restoration, and Structural Design
Mickelson specialized in hands-on medium arts, including:
- Clay and Stone Sculpture: Producing figurative and abstract pieces inspired by natural landforms and Midwest wilderness.
- Architectural & Furniture Restoration: Refurbishing antique wooden structures, custom furniture, and historical artifacts.
- Landscape & Studio Design: Crafting functional aesthetic spaces for residential and private studio environments.
Her work allowed her to maintain financial independence and personal privacy throughout her adult life, avoiding media inquiries regarding her past marriage to the famous NBA coach.
The Divorce and Life After Phil Jackson
In 1972, Noel J. Mickelson and Phil Jackson officially finalized their divorce. The dissolution of their marriage was handled quietly and amicably, without public litigation or tabloid involvement.
Following the divorce:
- Mickelson chose to maintain a low-profile life, concentrating on her daughter, her artwork, and her community ties in the western United States.
- Jackson continued his NBA playing career with the Knicks and New Jersey Nets before transitioning into coaching, eventually winning 11 NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers.
Mickelson consistently declined television interviews and book offers that sought to capitalize on Jackson’s hall-of-fame fame, reinforcing her preference for a quiet, artistic life.
Key Profile Summary: Noel J. Mickelson at a Glance
| Attribute | Profile Details |
| Full Name | Noel J. Mickelson |
| Known For | American artist, sculptor, restorative designer |
| Famous Relative | Ex-wife of Phil Jackson (m. 1967–1972) |
| Alma Mater | University of North Dakota (Grand Forks, ND) |
| Children | Elizabeth “Brooke” Jackson |
| Residence / Focus | Western U.S.; Fine Arts & Sculpture |
| Media Profile | Intentionally private |
Some Highlighted Questions About Noel J. Mickelson
Who was Phil Jackson’s first wife?
Phil Jackson’s first wife was Noel J. Mickelson. They met at the University of North Dakota and were married from 1967 until their divorce in 1972.
How many children did Noel J. Mickelson have with Phil Jackson?
Noel J. Mickelson and Phil Jackson had one daughter together, Elizabeth “Brooke” Jackson, born in 1969.
What is Noel J. Mickelson’s profession?
Noel J. Mickelson is an American visual artist, sculptor, and restorative designer who worked extensively with stone, clay, and architectural restoration.
Why did Noel J. Mickelson and Phil Jackson get divorced?
The couple divorced amicably in 1972 as their personal life goals and paths diverged during Jackson’s early playing years with the New York Knicks.
Is Noel J. Mickelson the mother of all of Phil Jackson’s kids?
No. Noel J. Mickelson is the mother of Jackson’s eldest child, Brooke. Jackson’s other four children (June, Charles, Ben, and Chloe) were born during his second marriage to June Jackson.
Conclusion
Noel J. Mickelson represents a story of independence, artistic passion, and quiet dignity. While search engines often tie her name to the legendary career of NBA coach Phil Jackson, her true legacy rests in her decades of work as a dedicated sculptor, artisan, and mother. By choosing creative fulfillment over public fame, Mickelson built a unique life defined by her own talent and personal values.
I’m Zahid Abbas, an educator, researcher, and digital publishing strategist with a passion for linguistics, grammar, and clear communication. As a content creator and SEO specialist, I craft research-driven, reader-focused content that empowers learners and makes knowledge accessible worldwide.
