Senator James C. Justice II was born on April 27, 1951, to James Conley Justice and Edna Ruth Justice. A lifelong West Virginian, he attended Raleigh County public schools and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1969, and attended Greenbrier Military Academy as a post-graduate.

Senator Justice went on to Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, where he was captain of the golf team for two years before earning his undergraduate degree and a Masters in Business Administration.

Senator Justice’s remarkable career took off in 1976 when he joined his family’s business and established the Justice Family Farms in Monroe County, West Virginia. With over 50,000 acres of farmland across multiple states, his agricultural enterprise thrived. As the largest farmer east of the Mississippi River and a seven-time national corn growing champion, Senator Justice’s passion for nature extended to developing Stoney Brook Plantation, a sprawling 15,000-acre hunting and fishing preserve.

Following the passing of his father in 1993, Senator Justice assumed leadership as President and CEO of Bluestone Industries, Inc. and Bluestone Coal Corporation. Over the next 15 years, he oversaw a substantial expansion of diverse businesses, including coal reserves, Christmas tree farms, cotton gins, turfgrass operations, golf courses, and land development projects. Prior to becoming Senator, he helmed 102 companies, demonstrating his expertise in job creation.

In 2008, Senator Justice orchestrated a multi-million dollar sale of Bluestone Industries, Inc. Senator Justice repurchased Bluestone in 2015, reopening its mines and generating over 200 new mining jobs.

In 2009, Senator Justice’s rescue efforts extended to The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, which faced bankruptcy and workforce cuts. Determined to revitalize the resort, he reversed benefit reductions and made significant investments in renovations and expansions. His visionary leadership attracted prestigious events like the PGA Tour, LIV Golf Tournament, NFL and NBA training camps, and various high-profile acts and conferences to The Greenbrier.

As a successful business owner and former Governor of West Virginia, Senator Justice possesses a deep understanding of job creation and economic growth. His extensive experience in these areas allows him to foster a business-friendly environment, attract investments, and create opportunities that drive prosperity for the state and its residents.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Senator Justice has dedicated more than three decades to supporting youth programs across West Virginia. He has served as President of Beckley Little League since 1992, fostering its growth to accommodate over 1,000 kids playing on 80 teams.

Additionally, he has actively coached basketball teams of all ages for 36 years, achieving significant milestones such as coaching his 1,000th career win in 2016. Senator Justice’s dedication to community service extends beyond sports, as he organizes the Mountain State Coal Classic Basketball Tournament, which provides substantial scholarships and support to participating schools.

Senator Justice and his wife, Cathy, prioritize giving back to West Virginia’s children, including through their annual $1 million in gifts to families in need. His exceptional contributions have been recognized through numerous awards, including the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce’s Community Service Award, the City of Hope Medical Center’s “Spirit of Life” award, and the title of “West Virginian of the Year” by esteemed publications and organizations. In 2010, he was named a “Distinguished West Virginian” by Joe Manchin, and in 2011, he was honored at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Blue Ridge Chapter “Dinner of Champions.”   

Senator Justice’s passion and impact go far beyond his political and business pursuits. His dedication to coaching and mentoring has earned him several notable accolades, including Mountain Athletic Conference “Coach of the Year” and West Virginia High School “Coach of the Year” in 2012. The Clarksburg Exponent Telegram also named him “West Virginian of the Year” in 2014, 2016, and 2023.

PUBLIC SERVICE

In 2015, Senator Justice announced his candidacy for the office of Governor of West Virginia. After 19 months on the campaign trail sharing his vision for transforming West Virginia, he was elected the 36th Governor of West Virginia. He won with a broad coalition of support from Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. In November 2020, Senator Justice won a second term earning more votes than any Republican incumbent Senator in state history.

During his tenure as Governor of West Virginia, Senator Justice led the state through an era of unprecedented change, driving significant progress in economic development, infrastructure, education, and overall growth.

FAMILY LIFE

Senator Justice and his wife, Cathy Justice, have been best friends since high school. They recently celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary. The Senator and Cathy have two adult children and spend time spoiling four grandchildren. In addition, they have three dogs: Lucy and Ellie, Boston Terriers, and their famous Babydog, an English Bulldog.

Babydog Justice, an English Bulldog, was born on October 27, 2019, and soon became a cherished gift from Senator Justice’s children, Jay and Jill, that same year.

At the time, Senator Justice’s grandson had just turned two. With no idea what the word ‘puppy’ meant, he kept asking, “Where did that baby dog go?” as the two played in the Christmas presents. Senator Justice and his family immediately knew the name Babydog was sticking.

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Babydog began traveling with Senator Justice to work. Her debut came during Senator Justice’s briefing before Super Bowl LV, where she playfully discouraged large gatherings and famously predicted that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would score exactly 31 points in their victory.

Babydog quickly captured the hearts of West Virginians everywhere, bringing much-needed joy during uncertain times. In June 2021, Babydog became the official mascot of West Virginia’s COVID-19 “Do It for Babydog” vaccination sweepstakes.

As the Mountain State’s most famous and beloved pup, Babydog has graced major events like Senator Justice’s State of the State address and the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, as well as shows like Fox & Friends. She can often be found traveling DC and West Virginia, shaking paws and bringing smiles to everyone she meets alongside Senator Justice.

Babydog resides in Lewisburg with her dad, mom, and sibling, Ellie, a Boston Terrier. Her favorite things are chicken nuggets, napping, riding shotgun in her dad’s Suburban, and head scratches from everyone she meets.