2026 SESSION
ENROLLED
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 128
Celebrating the life of James Woodrow McGlothlin.
Agreed to by the Senate, February 26, 2026
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 2, 2026
WHEREAS, James Woodrow McGlothlin, a preeminent business leader and a passionate philanthropist who touched countless lives through his generosity to The College of William & Mary and other communities and organizations throughout the Commonwealth, died on August 6, 2025; and
WHEREAS, James “Jim” McGlothlin grew up in Buchanan County and laid down strong roots in Southwest Virginia that endured throughout his life; after receiving a bachelor's degree from The College of William & Mary in 1962 and a law degree from what is now the William & Mary Law School in 1964, he returned to Grundy, where he co-founded a legal practice; and
WHEREAS, in 1970, Jim McGlothlin changed careers and cofounded United Coal Company, which grew to become The United Company, a global enterprise spanning coal, oil, gas, real estate, hospitality, and finance; and
WHEREAS, under Jim McGlothlin's visionary leadership as chair and chief executive officer, The United Company became one of the leading private businesses in the Commonwealth; among many achievements, he oversaw the establishment of the first casino in the Commonwealth, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Bristol; and
WHEREAS, Jim McGlothlin was a passionate philanthropist who worked diligently to enhance the quality of life in Southwest Virginia and support the arts, health care, and education at the state level; and