Last Updated: 26 Aug, 2025 | Views: 139
Age: 74
Profession: Politician
Other Profession(s): Business Men
Higher Education: University of Tennessee, Marshall University (BA, MBA)
About (Profile/Biography):
James Conley Justice II known to many as “Big Jim” is a dynamic American businessman-turned-politician now serving as U.S. Senator from West Virginia. Born in Charleston in 1951, he honed his leadership early as golf team captain at Marshall University, where he earned both bachelor's and MBA degrees. Big Jim built a sprawling agricultural and mining empire, revived the historic Greenbrier resort from bankruptcy, and led over 100 businesses. Elected governor in 2016, he made headlines by switching parties from Democrat to Republican midway through his first term. As governor (2017–2025), he launched transformative infrastructure programs, supported youth initiatives via coaching and scholarships, and led his state through the pandemic with creative efforts like a “Do It for Babydog” vaccine lottery. In 2024, he won the U.S. Senate seat, succeeding Joe Manchin. With a flair for flamboyant speeches and deep roots in West Virginia communities, Big Jim’s story blends ambition, controversy, and unwavering regional devotion.
Early Life & Education of Jim Justice
• He was born in Charleston, WV in 1951, grew up in Raleigh County, and graduated high school in 1969 before attending Greenbrier Military Academy post grad.
• At Marshall University, “he” captained the golf team and earned both a bachelor’s degree (1974) and an MBA (1976).
• His early leadership on the golf course foreshadowed a business career spanning coal, farming, and hospitality ventures.
Business & Career Highlights of Jim Justice
• Big Jim transformed his family’s coal and farming businesses into a powerhouse, founding Justice Family Farms and overseeing 100+ companies across sectors.
• He rescued The Greenbrier resort from bankruptcy in 2009, revitalizing it into a world-class destination and hosting major sports and cultural events.
• As governor, “he” spearheaded the $2.8 billion Roads to Prosperity infrastructure plan, improving highways and bridges statewide.
Controversies around Jim Justice
• An investigative report revealed over $1 million from his 2017 inaugural fund much from lobbyists went to his resort, raising conflict concerns. Justice dismissed it as “garbage.”
• His businesses faced mounting debts, unpaid taxes, and fines, including lawsuits and foreclosure threats over resorts and coal operations.
• While pursuing the Senate seat, “he” contended with these financial pressures, yet framed legal actions as politically motivated stunts.
Awards & Recognitions received by Jim Justice
• He was inducted into the Mining & Industrial Extension Coal Hall of Fame in 2020 for job creation and humanitarian efforts.
• Named “West Virginian of the Year” multiple times, recognized for community service, including youth and holiday gift programs.
• Awarded honors like Distinguished Alumnus from Marshall University, Boy Scouts Silver Beaver, and Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow.
Lesser Known Facts about Jim Justice
• “Big Jim” coaches high school girls’ basketball at Greenbrier East and has surpassed 1,000 career wins continuing even while serving as senator.
• During the COVID 19 pandemic, he launched the state vaccine lottery (“Do It for Babydog”) featuring his beloved English bulldog to encourage vaccinations.
• His financial net worth has fluctuated widely at one point over $1 billion, but by 2025 Forbes reported it had fallen “below zero” due to debts.
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