Remembering James W. McGlothlin ’62, J.D. ’64, LL.D. ’00, P ’89, G ’29
Visionary entrepreneur and transformative William & Mary philanthropic leader
August 8, 2025
By
Jacob A. Miller ’18
James "Jim" W. McGlothlin ’62, J.D. ’64, LL.D. ’00, P ’89, G ’29, a titan of American business and a deeply devoted alumnus of William & Mary, died in Bristol, Virginia, on Aug. 6, 2025. He was 85.
From the coalfields of Buchanan County, Virginia, to the boardrooms of billion-dollar enterprises, McGlothlin carved a singular path marked by vision, drive and a lifelong belief in the power of opportunity. At William & Mary, McGlothlin’s philanthropy and leadership transformed the university’s reach and reputation. He and his wife, Frances Gibson McGlothlin ’66, L.H.D. ’18, G ’29, are among the university's most generous supporters.
McGlothlin earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from William & Mary in 1962 and a law degree from the university in 1964. Though his admission to law school required perseverance — famously convincing the dean to admit him on the condition that he make the dean’s list both semesters of his senior year — McGlothlin would go on to embody the ideal of the “citizen lawyer,” using his education to lead not only in law and business, but in service to others.
He began his career in Grundy, Virginia, co-founding a law firm before taking a leap into the energy sector. In 1970, he helped establish United Coal Company, which became the foundation for The United Company — a diversified enterprise spanning coal, oil and gas, real estate, hospitality and finance. Under his leadership, the company grew into one of the most influential privately held businesses in the Commonwealth. McGlothlin also spearheaded Virginia’s legalization of commercial casinos and was the principal partner in establishing the $400 million Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol, which opened in 2022 as the state’s first casino.
As he built his professional legacy, McGlothlin remained steadfast in his support of William & Mary. In 1988, he received the Alumni Medallion, the highest and most prestigious award given by the W&M Alumni Association, in recognition of his dedication to his alma mater, civic leadership and professional accomplishments.
He served on the university’s Board of Visitors from 1984 to 1993 and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws in 2000. His philanthropic investments have left a permanent imprint on campus. Tercentenary Hall, located along the university’s historic Sunken Garden, was renamed McGlothlin-Street Hall in recognition of his family’s leadership support; former Prime Minister Lady Margaret Thatcher spoke at the building’s rededication ceremony in 1997. W&M Law School’s McGlothlin Courtroom — the most technologically advanced educational trial and appellate courtroom in the world at the time of its construction — honors his grandparents. He also supported the restoration of the Brafferton, one of the university’s three most historic and iconic buildings, dating back to 1723.
The Smith-McGlothlin Grandstand at Zable Stadium recognizes the McGlothlin family’s leadership support of the 2016 Zable Stadium renovation. McGlothlin was a longtime fan of W&M Athletics and returned frequently to cheer on Tribe Football from his suite.
In 2011, McGlothlin established the McGlothlin Leadership Forum, a signature initiative of William & Mary’s business and law schools that brings global leaders to campus each year to engage students in critical conversations at the intersection of business, law and public policy. The couple has endowed McGlothlin Scholars at the business and law schools, and these endowments have enhanced the business and law schools’ capacity to recruit students of compelling ability. Their vision for the McGlothlin Scholars program reflects a deep and enduring commitment to supporting students who demonstrate exceptional promise, curiosity and leadership. Through their generous investment, Jim and Fran sought to create opportunities for these scholars to thrive—not only at William & Mary, but well beyond—as they pursue graduate study and prepare to lead in their fields.
McGlothlin continued his impact by uplifting exceptional educators at the university through establishing the McGlothlin Teaching Award in 2016. A mentor to generations of students, McGlothlin frequently returned to campus to speak on entrepreneurship, ethics and leadership, sharing hard-earned insights with characteristic candor and warmth. In 2015, William & Mary Law School honored him with its Citizen-Lawyer Award, the law school’s highest alumni distinction.
Beyond the university, McGlothlin and his wife, Fran, have been among the nation’s most generous patrons of the arts, education and health care. Their contributions to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts — including transformative gifts of art and the establishment of the McGlothlin American Art Galleries and McGlothlin Wings — positioned the Richmond-based museum as one of the preeminent repositories of American art in the country. Together, they have also been strong supporters of the Mountain Mission School in Grundy, which provides at-risk youth with educational opportunities in a supportive environment.
He is survived by his wife, Fran, three children, including Martha McGlothlin Bowman ’89, J.D. ’95, P ’29, and six grandchildren, including two members of the William & Mary Class of 2029.
University Leaders Reflect on McGlothlin’s Passing
“William & Mary joins our Commonwealth and nation in mourning Mr. McGlothlin’s passing. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mrs. McGlothlin, a cherished alumna and friend, and to their family. Mr. McGlothlin’s legacy will lift up aspiring leaders.” — President Katherine A. Rowe (read her full reflection)
“Jim’s life and legacy will continue to inspire generations of William & Mary students and alumni — a lasting testament that with vision, tenacity and heart, one person can shape the future of not only a single institution, but of an entire state. Shaped by his upbringing in the mountains of Southwest Virginia and a love for the people of our community, he was animated by a belief in impacting the lives of others for the better. I considered Jim a mentor and a friend and will always remember him through the people and places he has transformed and impacted all around us.” — Senior Vice President for University Advancement Matthew T. Lambert ’99
“No contemporary William & Mary graduate has had a greater impact on Virginia than Jim McGlothlin. He was extraordinarily successful in all the ways that traditionally define success — business achievements, growth and impact — but he was, more importantly and more enduringly, a person who was committed to the success of others. His contributions to William & Mary have changed the ways we serve students and the impacts we have on their lives.” — Dean Todd Mooradian, Raymond A. Mason School of Business
“Jim McGlothlin’s remarkable generosity has expanded access, opened doors and created life-changing opportunities for generations of William & Mary law students. His steadfast belief in the power of legal education — and his commitment to supporting those who pursue it — reflect a deep understanding of how the law can shape lives, strengthen communities, and uphold the ideals of justice and service. We are deeply grateful for all that he gave to this law school, and we will honor his memory by continuing the work he made possible and upholding the standard of generosity and vision he exemplified.” — Dean A. Benjamin Spencer, W&M Law School