Celebrating the life of James Woodrow McGlothlin.
House Joint Resolution 162 is a commemorative resolution honoring the life and legacy of James Woodrow McGlothlin, who died on August 6, 2025. The resolution recounts his upbringing in Buchanan County, his education at The College of William & Mary and its law school, his return to Grundy to practice law, and his later career as co-founder and leader of United Coal Company and The United Company. It highlights his role in building a major private enterprise in Virginia and notes his involvement in the development of the first casino in the Commonwealth, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Bristol.
The resolution also emphasizes McGlothlin’s extensive philanthropy, especially in Southwest Virginia and in support of education, health care, and the arts. It describes his support for Mountain Mission School, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, William & Mary, and VCU School of Medicine, including named facilities, scholarship programs, and endowments. The General Assembly expresses sorrow at his passing and directs the Clerk of the House to present a copy of the resolution to his family as a formal tribute.
HJ162 does not change state law or create new statutory requirements; it is a ceremonial joint resolution. Its practical effect is to place the General Assembly’s official recognition of McGlothlin’s contributions into the legislative record and to authorize presentation of the resolution to his family. The resolution references institutions and projects associated with his philanthropy and business leadership, but it does not amend any code sections or affect regulatory authority.
The sentiment surrounding the resolution is strongly positive and respectful. The bill passed as an enrolled resolution in both chambers, reflecting broad agreement on honoring McGlothlin’s business leadership, philanthropy, and ties to Southwest Virginia and William & Mary. The tone of the text is celebratory and memorial, with no indication of opposition or controversy in the available voting or committee record.
There is no notable contention in the available record. Because the measure is a memorial resolution rather than substantive legislation, it appears to have been noncontroversial and passed without recorded debate or committee dispute in the materials provided. Any references to McGlothlin’s business interests, including the casino development in Bristol, are presented as part of his biography and not as a point of legislative disagreement.