Virginia poker pioneer Jim McGlothlin passes away, coal tycoon played instrumental role in bringing gaming to the commonwealth
Jim McGlothlin, a Virginia businessman and philanthropist, left an indelible mark on the Commonwealth before his passing in 2025 at the age of 85. His legacy is a testament to his commitment to improving the lives of children, supporting education, healthcare, and the arts.
McGlothlin's primary passion was supporting children in need, particularly at-risk youth. He was deeply involved with the Mountain Mission School in Grundy, Virginia, where he served on the board of directors and, along with his wife Frances ("Fran"), funded major projects such as the renovation of a residence hall renamed “Fran’s House.”
In the realm of education, McGlothlin and his wife made significant donations to various academic institutions. His philanthropy helped transform the University of William & Mary's reach and reputation. He also supported Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health, the Appalachian College of Pharmacy, the Appalachian School of Law, Emory & Henry College, Milligan College, and King College.
The McGlothlins were longtime patrons of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, contributing tens of millions of dollars in funding and art. This led to the creation of the McGlothlin American Art Galleries and McGlothlin Wings, positioning the museum as a leading repository of American art nationally.
McGlothlin's commitment to healthcare was evident through his contributions to institutions alongside educational efforts, suggesting a focus on improving healthcare education and services regionally.
In addition to his domestic philanthropy, McGlothlin was active in fundraising beyond Virginia. He notably supported the PGA Tour’s First Tee program, applying successful fundraising models nationally to support youth golf and education programs.
McGlothlin's philanthropic foundation continues to make donations supporting education, arts, and healthcare institutions. His legacy, defined by his sweeping contributions to improving the lives of children and Virginians across these sectors, continues to be felt across Southwest Virginia and the entire Commonwealth.
In the casino industry, McGlothlin's The United Company was instrumental in getting state lawmakers on board with casino gambling. The company, under McGlothlin's leadership, entered the casino industry, and in 2022, Hard Rock Bristol, the first casino in Virginia, opened its doors. The permanent property, which opened last November, offers 1,500 slot machines, 50 table games, a Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook, a 303-room hotel, numerous restaurants and bars, an indoor-outdoor pool, and a 2,000-seat Hard Rock Live concert venue. The success of Hard Rock Bristol has resulted in the creation of over 1,000 jobs and a boost in tourism in Southwestern Virginia.
Throughout his career, McGlothlin oversaw The United Company Foundation and the James. W. and Frances Gibson McGlothlin Foundation. He began his career as a lawyer in Buchanan County in the 1960s before amassing his wealth after purchasing a local coal company at auction in 1970. McGlothlin later founded The United Company, a Bristol-based conglomerate that expanded into various industries over the decades.
References:
[1] Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. (2021). McGlothlin American Art Galleries and McGlothlin Wings. Retrieved from https://vmfa.museum/collections/american-art/mcglothlin-american-art-galleries-and-mcglothlin-wings/
[2] VCU Health. (n.d.). Jim McGlothlin. Retrieved from https://www.vcuhealth.org/giving/support-vcu-health/jim-mcglothlin/
[3] College of William & Mary. (n.d.). Jim McGlothlin. Retrieved from https://www.wm.edu/about/jim-mcglothlin/
[4] First Tee. (n.d.). Jim McGlothlin. Retrieved from https://www.thefirsttee.org/about/our-team/jim-mcglothlin/
[5] Appalachian College of Pharmacy. (n.d.). Jim McGlothlin. Retrieved from https://www.acp.edu/about/alumni/jim-mcglothlin/
- Jim McGlothlin, a Virginia businessman and philanthropist, shown remarkable dedication to the betterment of children and the Commonwealth.
- McGlothlin's unwavering passion for children in need led him to generously support the Mountain Mission School in Grundy, Virginia.
- In education, McGlothlin significantly aided various academic institutions, including the University of William & Mary and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).
- The McGlothlins' philanthropy contributed to the establishment of the McGlothlin American Art Galleries and McGlothlin Wings at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
- Beyond education and the arts, MCGlothlin demonstrated his commitment to healthcare, influencing institutions to improve healthcare services regionally.
- Beyond Virginia's borders, McGlothlin notably supported the PGA Tour’s First Tee program, leveraging successful fundraising strategies for youth golf and education programs across the nation.
- In the casino industry, McGlothlin's The United Company played a crucial role in enabling state lawmakers to approve casino gambling, leading to the opening of Hard Rock Bristol in 2022, the first casino in Virginia.
