Jim Justice, II.

$1.20 B

Ranked #1730 in World

About Jim Justice, II.

James Conley Justice II, an influential figure with roots in Charleston, West Virginia, has made significant strides in both the business and political arenas. Born on April 27, 1951, Justice's educational journey took him from a golf scholarship at the University of Tennessee to earning his MBA from Marshall University. His entrepreneurial spirit flourished in the agriculture sector, establishing Bluestone Farms in 1977 and expanding into coal with Bluestone Coal Corporation, dramatically impacting the East Coast's grain and coal industries. Despite controversies over safety violations and unpaid taxes, Justice has contributed to his community through charitable activities and reignited the coal sector by reopening mines. Transitioning into politics, he clinched the West Virginia Governor's office as a Democrat in 2016, later switching to the Republican Party. His tenure, marked by economic proposals and support for the coal industry, sets the stage for his 2024 U.S. Senate run, challenging incumbent Democrat Joe Manchin's seat. Justice's varied career demonstrates a commitment to economic development and political service, resonating widely among finance readers in India and beyond.

Born

April 27, 1951 in Charleston, West Virginia, U.S.

Age

75 years

Source Of Wealth

Coal

Industries

Energy

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Lewisburg, West Virginia

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Marshall University; Master of Business Administration, Marshall University

Spouse

Cathy Comer (Married: 1975)

Children

James Conley Justice II was born on April 27, 1951, in Charleston, West Virginia. He grew up in Raleigh County, West Virginia, where he attended local schools. Justice showed an early interest in sports and excelled in basketball and golf. He earned a golf scholarship to the University of Tennessee but later transferred to Marshall University, where he completed his bachelor's degree and Master of Business Administration.

Jim Justice, II.: Family

James C. Justice II is married to Cathy (née Comer), and they have two children together. Justice is a devout Christian and a member of the First Baptist Church in Beckley, West Virginia.

Jim Justice, II.: Career Highlights

After completing his education, Justice joined the family agriculture business. In 1977, he founded Bluestone Farms, which became a leading producer of grain on the East Coast. He also developed Stoney Brook Plantation, a hunting and fishing preserve in Monroe County. Justice achieved recognition as a seven-time national corn growing champion.

Following his father's death in 1993, Justice inherited Bluestone Industries and Bluestone Coal Corporation. He made significant business moves, including selling part of his coal business to Mechel for $568 million in 2009. However, when Mechel closed some mines due to declining coal prices, Justice bought back the business for $5 million in 2015. He reopened several mines and rehired over 200 miners.

Justice owns or serves as the CEO of over 50 companies, including the iconic Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs. He is known for his philanthropic activities and has made notable donations to various organizations, including the James C. Justice National Scout Camp, Marshall University, and the Cleveland Clinic. Justice also initiated the annual holiday gift drive called "Dream Tree for Kids."

Jim Justice, II.: Companies

James C. Justice II owns or serves as the CEO of numerous companies, including:

Bluestone Farms
Stoney Brook Plantation
Bluestone Industries
Bluestone Coal Corporation
The Greenbrier
Greenbrier Classic
Justice Family Enterprises
Justice Holdings
Justice Transportation
Justice Energy

Jim Justice, II.: Major Achievements

James C.

Justice II has achieved significant milestones throughout his career:

Seven-time national corn growing champion
Founded Bluestone Farms, a leading grain producer on the East Coast
Developed Stoney Brook Plantation, a renowned hunting and fishing preserve
Inherited and expanded Bluestone Industries and Bluestone Coal Corporation
Reopened several coal mines and rehired over 200 miners after buying back his coal business
Owns or serves as the CEO of over 50 companies, including the Greenbrier resort
Engages in charitable activities and supports various organizations

Jim Justice, II.: Awards & Achievements

James C. Justice II has received numerous awards and accolades for his accomplishments:

West Virginia Business Hall of Fame inductee
Marshall University Distinguished Alumnus Award
National FFA Organization Honorary American Degree
Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award
Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow
Numerous awards for his agricultural achievements

Jim Justice, II.: Personal Life & Legacy

James C. Justice II stands tall at 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m). He is an avid sports fan and supports the New Orleans Saints. Justice developed a training facility for the team at the Greenbrier resort. He also hosted the Greenbrier Classic, a PGA Tour event held annually at the Greenbrier until 2019.

Justice resides in Lewisburg, West Virginia. He faced legal challenges regarding his residency but agreed to reside in Charleston and pay legal fees.

Jim Justice, II.: Trivia

Justice is known for his colorful metaphors and digs at political opponents.
He proposed raising state revenue by $450 million through increased sales tax, reinstating the B&O tax, and establishing a "rich man's" tax.
Justice opposed cuts to health and education spending and vetoed a budget bill, calling it "a bunch of political you-know-what."
He rejoined the Republican Party in 2017, citing support for President Donald Trump.
Justice supported incumbent Democrat Joe Manchin in the 2018 Senate election but later endorsed Republican candidate Patrick Morrisey.

He signed the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act in 2020, creating felony penalties for protests targeting oil and gas facilities.
Justice began his political career as a conservative Democrat but switched to the Republican Party after taking office.
He is described as a moderate or liberal Republican by some.
Justice supports the coal industry and opposes raising taxes.
He supports increasing teachers' salaries and Medicaid expansion.
Justice opposed the American Health Care Act, a GOP House bill to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
He respects the Supreme Court's decision on same-sex marriage but signed legislation prohibiting gender-affirming care for minors.
Justice equivocated on the scientific consensus on global warming but supports alternative energy.
He encouraged West Virginians to get vaccinated for COVID-19 with the slogan "Do It for Babydog."
Justice serves as the president of Beckley Little League and has coached girls' basketball at Greenbrier East High School, winning the state championship in 2012.
He was the head coach of the boys' basketball team from 2011 to 2017.

Wealth History

Timeline

April 27, 1951

James Conley Justice II is born in Charleston, West Virginia.

1977

Justice founds Bluestone Farms, a leading producer of grain on the East Coast.

1993

Justice inherits Bluestone Industries and Bluestone Coal Corporation after his father's death.

2009

Justice sells some of his coal business to Mechel for $568 million.

2015

Justice buys back the coal business for $5 million after Mechel closes some mines due to a drop in coal prices.

2015

Justice declares his candidacy for governor as a Democrat.

2016

Justice wins the Democratic nomination and defeats Republican nominee Bill Cole in the general election.

January 16, 2017

Justice takes office as the 36th Governor of West Virginia.

2017

Justice rejoins the Republican Party, citing support for President Donald Trump.

2020

Justice is reelected as governor, defeating Democratic challenger Ben Salango.

2024

Justice announces his candidacy for the 2024 U.S. Senate election in West Virginia.

Jim Justice, II. : FAQs

What is Jim Justice, II.'s net worth?

As of 2020, Jim Justice, II.'s net worth was $1.20 billion.

What are Jim Justice, II.'s main sources of wealth?

Jim Justice, II.'s main source of income comes from Coal.

In which industry does Jim Justice, II. primarily operate?

Jim Justice, II. is primarily involved in the Energy industry.

What is Jim Justice, II. educational background?

Jim Justice, II. holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Marshall University and a Master of Business Administration from Marshall University.

How old is Jim Justice, II.?

Jim Justice, II. is 75 years old.

How many children does Jim Justice, II. have?

Jim Justice, II. has 2 children.

How did James Conley Justice II start his business career?

After college, Justice went into the family agriculture business, founded Bluestone Farms in 1977, became a leading producer of grain on the East Coast, and developed Stoney Brook Plantation. He also inherited Bluestone Industries and Bluestone Coal Corporation, significantly growing the businesses.

What are some key highlights from Justice's tenure as the Governor of West Virginia?

During his tenure, he proposed raising the state revenue by $450 million, opposed cuts to health and education spending, vetoed a budget bill he disapproved of, rejoined the Republican Party, and signed the Critical Infrastructure Protection Act.

What major political positions has James Conley Justice II taken throughout his career?

Justice began as a conservative Democrat, before switching to the Republican Party. He supports the coal industry, is against raising taxes, supports increasing teachers' salaries, Medicaid expansion, and encourages COVID-19 vaccination, but has shown a mix of support and opposition on social issues.

Can you detail James Conley Justice II's personal life and involvement in youth sports?

Justice is married to Cathy, with two children, and is a member of the First Baptist Church in Beckley. He's a fan of the New Orleans Saints, hosts the Greenbrier Classic, and has been actively involved in youth sports, serving as president of the Beckley Little League and coaching basketball at Greenbrier East High School.