Jon Huntsman, Sr.

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Jon Huntsman, Sr. – Life, Career, and Enduring Legacy

Learn about Jon Huntsman, Sr., American industrialist, founder of Huntsman Corporation, and one of the most generous philanthropists in U.S. history. Explore his early life, business journey, causes, and lasting impact.

Introduction

Jon Meade Huntsman, Sr. (June 21, 1937 – February 2, 2018) was an American businessman and philanthropist whose legacy spans chemical and plastics innovation, world-class charitable giving, and a vision of “dying broke” in service of others. He built Huntsman Corporation from humble beginnings, became a billionaire, and gave away over $1.5 billion to causes ranging from cancer research to education to humanitarian aid.

Huntsman is also known as the father of Jon Huntsman, Jr., who served as Governor of Utah, U.S. ambassador, and presidential candidate, among other roles.

Early Life and Family

Jon Huntsman was born on June 21, 1937, in Blackfoot, Idaho. Alonzo Blaine Huntsman and Sarah Kathleen Robison Huntsman.

His family was poor, and he grew up in humble circumstances in rural Idaho. Palo Alto, California, where his father pursued graduate studies and later became an education administrator.

Huntsman attended Palo Alto High School, where he became student body president. scholarship (Zellerbach Scholarship) to attend the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1959 (top of his class).

He then served two years in the U.S. Navy as an officer aboard the USS Calvert. MBA from the University of Southern California in 1966.

In 1959, around the time of his graduation, he married Karen Haight (daughter of LDS Church leader David B. Haight). nine children (including Jon Jr. and Peter).

Business Career & Achievements

Early Steps & Packaging Innovation

After his naval service, Huntsman worked with Olson Brothers, an egg-packing company in Los Angeles. As vice president of operations, he recognized that packaging inefficiencies were causing losses and began exploring improvements.

He helped develop the first plastic egg carton and became involved with Dolco Packaging Corporation, a joint venture with Dow Chemical.

In 1970, seeing the rise of fast food and demand for improved packaging, Huntsman founded Huntsman Container Corporation, mortgaging his house and borrowing to get the company going.

One of the company’s early breakthroughs was creating the plastic “clamshell” container used for McDonald’s Big Mac sandwiches.

Expansion: From Packaging to Chemicals

In 1982, Huntsman established Huntsman Chemical Company in Salt Lake City, Utah, expanding beyond packaging into petrochemicals, plastics, polyurethanes, textiles, pigments, and performance materials.

He grew the enterprise aggressively, acquiring dozens of companies between the mid-1980s and 2000. Huntsman Corporation, was formally named in 1994.

In 2005, Huntsman Corporation went public on the New York Stock Exchange.

His son Peter R. Huntsman succeeded him as CEO and later chairman.

Public Service & Political Roles

Beyond business, Huntsman held several government and civic roles:

• In the Nixon administration, he served as Special Assistant to the President and White House Staff Secretary from February 1971 to January 1972.

• He also chaired Republican party committees (e.g. Utah) and was active in national campaigns (Reagan, Bush) in Utah.

• In 1988, he briefly ran in the Republican primary for governor of Utah but dropped out.

Philanthropy & Causes

Philanthropy was a central pillar of Huntsman’s life. His giving exceeded $1.5 billion, focusing on cancer research, education, and humanitarian aid. Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked him among the top donors in the U.S.

Huntsman Cancer Institute

One of his most enduring legacies is the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the University of Utah, founded in the early 1990s with major personal gifts.

He was himself a cancer survivor and had lost both of his parents to cancer, giving personal urgency to the cause.

Today, Huntsman Cancer Institute is a National Cancer Institute–designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and a leading center combining research, treatment, and education.

Education & University Support

• Huntsman was a major benefactor to the Wharton School, endowing Jon Huntsman Hall, giving $50+ million, and supporting the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business.

• In Utah, projects bearing his name include the Jon M. Huntsman Center (arena for University of Utah) and numerous library and academic facilities at Utah State University, Brigham Young University, Snow College, and others.

• He also gave to environmental research and scholarships, especially in Idaho and Utah.

International & Humanitarian Efforts

Huntsman had a strong connection to Armenia. After the 1988 earthquake in Armenia, he and his family made repeated trips and donations: building schools, hospitals, housing, and industrial projects to employ Armenians.

He also served on commissions and boards— for example, on the American Red Cross Board of Governors (1997–2005; again in 2013) and as a board member of the Beaumont Foundation.

In 2015, he was awarded the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in recognition of his lifetime giving.

Historical Context & Milestones

• Huntsman’s rise from poverty to magnate echoes the American Dream narrative of the mid-20th century.

• His innovations in plastic packaging (especially the clamshell) played a role in the expansion of fast-food and disposable packaging industries.

• The transition from a packaging firm to a diversified chemical conglomerate reflects broader industrial shifts and globalization trends from the 1980s onward.

• Huntsman’s approach to philanthropy— pledging to “die broke” and giving substantial wealth away during his lifetime— exemplifies modern large-scale donor behavior.

• His engagement in governance and political roles underscores the interface between private capital and public influence in late 20th-century America.

Legacy and Influence

Jon Huntsman, Sr.’s legacy is multifaceted:

1. A model philanthropist
   His commitment to giving away most of his wealth during his life set an example for wealthy individuals to prioritize impact over accumulation.

2. Cancer research pioneer
   The Huntsman Cancer Institute bridges laboratory research and patient care under one vision—an enduring monument to his battle against the disease.

3. Educational benefactor
   Through large endowments and programs, he changed the landscape of business and liberal arts education (especially at Wharton and in Utah).

4. Industrial innovator
   From plastics packaging to diversified chemicals, his business ventures touched many sectors and everyday products.

5. Global humanitarian
   His sustained involvement in Armenia and worldwide giving shows that his vision extended beyond local or national boundaries.

6. Family and public service heritage
   His children continued his spirit of public impact— notably Jon Huntsman Jr. in politics and diplomacy, and Peter Huntsman at the head of the corporation.

Personality, Philosophy & Approach

• Huntsman’s motto was to “die broke”, meaning to donate rather than hoard wealth.

• He was known for humility, ethical standards, and a belief in strong moral values—evident in his book Winners Never Cheat: Everyday Values We Learned as Children (But May Have Forgotten).

• He had deep faith—he was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and held church leadership roles (stake president, mission president, area seventy).

• He viewed wealth as a tool for service: his giving, investments, and leadership often aligned with strengthening institutions rather than mere charity.

Selected Quotes & Thoughts

While Huntsman is not known for many widely circulated aphoristic quotes, here are a few reflective sentiments aligned with his philosophy:

• He said that “except for my family and faith, there is no cause more important to me than fighting cancer.”

• His insistence on “die broke” is both a symbolic and practical maxim guiding his philanthropic approach.

• In his autobiography, he stated that he would continue funding the cancer institute “if it takes my last dollar.”

Lessons from Jon Huntsman, Sr.

His life offers many lessons, especially for business leaders, philanthropists, and those seeking impact:

• Vision outlives capital: Huntman invested in institutions (cancer research, education) whose value extends far beyond his lifetime.

• Wealth with purpose: Accumulation is less significant than what you use that capital to build or heal.

• Generosity during life matters: He prioritized giving while living, engaging with causes hands-on rather than posthumously.

• Ethics and business are not separate: He built his reputation not just on success but on moral consistency and trust.

• Local roots, global reach: He never forgot his origins (poverty, Idaho) yet his vision spanned continents (Armenia, global pharma).

• Sustain systems, not just charity: He focused on building durable institutions— cancer institutes, educational programs— not just one-time gifts.

Conclusion

Jon Huntsman, Sr. was more than a successful industrialist — he was a builder of legacy, a believer in stewardship, and a powerful exemplar of philanthropy in action. His life's arc from hardship to empire, and from corporate success to generous giving, offers both inspiration and a blueprint: that true wealth is measured not by what you hold, but what you give, build, and leave for future generations.