James Haslam Jr.

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James Haslam Jr., better known as Jim Haslam, is the founder of Pilot, a company based in Knoxville, TN that is famous for its travel centers. Haslam serves on the Board of Trustees for the University of Tennessee and serves on numerous boards of directors.

In 2006, the University established a medal awarded "to those who make extraordinary contributions to UT philanthropic efforts through exemplary giving, volunteer leadership and service".^[1] Haslam, who is known for his philanthropy, gave the University its largest gift ever.^[2] Much of the money was designated to support the Howard H. Baker, Jr. Center for Public Policy.

Also in 2006, Haslam was named as the "Tennessean of the Year" by the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame for his contribution to sports in the state.

Haslam attended the University of Tennessee where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and played Tennessee Volunteers football. He was a member of the 1951 National Championship football team, playing under coach Robert Neyland,^[3] and served as a captain of the 1952 team.^[4]

[edit] Family political involvement

Haslam's son, Bill Haslam, is Mayor of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Haslam's son, James III (Jimmy), was the financial manager for Bob Corker in his successful campaign for the U.S. Senate in 2006. Democratic candidate Harold Ford, Jr. criticized Corker for his ties to Haslam (and Haslam's ties to oil companies).^[5]^{[broken citation]}