Jim Haslam seems to approve of the statue of him that was unveiled Friday at the University of Tennessee. He and his late wife, Natalie, are among the largest donors to the University of Tennessee. The college of business at UT is named for him; and the college of music is named for her.
Jim Haslam says that everything he has accomplished in his 95 years on this Earth started on the football field at the University of Tennessee.
Haslam was honored with the unveiling of a statue of his likeness Friday afternoon on the University of Tennessee campus. Crafted by renowned sculptor Brian Hanlon, it stands in front of the north entrance to the Neyland-Thompson Sports Center.
“We lived our whole life in the stadium,” said Haslam, who was a starter on the offensive line of the 1951 national championship team and captain of the 1952 football team. “I learned there that you have to surround yourself with good people. So many good things that have happened to me started on that football field.”
Haslam was a high school football star in St. Petersburg, Fla., before coming to UT in 1948 and becoming the first person in his family to graduate from college.
The temperature on Friday afternoon was near 90, but thanks to the foresight of UT planners, a huge white tent with fans pointing inward from all directions made it feel almost comfortable. And another tip of the hat to the organizers who, despite having five speakers, kept the formal ceremony to 38 minutes, a nod to the honoree who is famous for his desire to keep programs as short as possible. The crowd of 100 or so consisted mostly of family and close personal friends of Haslam, as well as top UT brass.
Emcee was Mike Keith, the “Voice of the Vols,” who is the radio play-by-play announcer for UT football and men’s basketball games. In addition to calling Jim Haslam “the greatest letterman,” he described him as “a man who used every opportunity this university offered him.”
Danny White, vice chancellor and director of athletics at UT-Knoxville, said whenever he speaks with Jim Haslam on the phone, Haslam ends the conversation by saying, “Let me know what we can do to help!” He said that when he asked Haslam if UT could install a statue honoring him, “it was the first time I’ve ever seen you be bashful!”
UT-Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman saluted Haslam by quoting Dolly Parton who said, “You’re not going to do a whole lot if you’re not brave enough to try.”
Former Knoxville Mayor and Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam said of his father, Jim, “You learned here and taught it to us.” He said people who come in contact with Jim Haslam in any aspect of their lives, learn from him. “We’ve learned three things,” Bill Haslam said. “One: Don’t whine — ever! Two: It’s about the team. And three: Never quit.” He said the ceremony was “honoring the ultimate ‘Vol For Life.'”
Jim Haslam, in typical form, concluded his remarks with this exhortation to Athletics Director Danny White: “Let’s get some wins!”
Thank goodness for this tent!
UT President Randy Boyd, left, with longtime friends of Jim Haslam, Sam and Ann Furrow.
Jim Haslam’s older son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy and Dee Haslam.
Haslam’s son-in-law and daughter, Steve and Ann Bailey, center, with Ray and Lucy Hand.
Bill Haslam, left, with UT-Knoxville Provost John Zomchick.
Former Knoxville and Tennessee First Lady Crissy Haslam and Brian Hanlon, the sculptor who produced the Jim Haslam statue — as well as the numerous statues you see at Covenant Health Park.
From left, Chris Kinney, John Tolsma, and Bill Haslam.
Bill and Donna Cobble with retired Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice and longtime Sevierville Mayor Gary Wade, right.
UT President Randy Boyd with former state Sen. Jamie Woodson.
Former Knoxville City Council member Joe Bailey.
Laurens Tullock.
UT-Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman and her husband, Dennis Duchon.
Sculptor Brian Hanlon, center, with George and Susan Krisle.
From left, Bill and Crissy Haslam, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, Jim Haslam, Ann and Steve Bailey.
From left, Jim Haslam, UT President Randy Boyd, Board of Trustees Chair John Compton, UT-Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman, and Athletics Director Danny White.
Jim Haslam with, from left, his assistant Laura Self; his house manager Jessica Richardson; and his longtime friend, Jimmy Smith.
Jeff and Joni Pappas. He is founding dean of the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music at the University of Tennessee.
Alan Carmichael and UT Women’s Basketball Coach Kim Caldwell.
The Jim Haslam statue was created by Brian Hanlon, a nationally acclaimed artist from Toms River, New Jersey. He has created over 550 public and private art pieces since 1987, specializing in bronze works.
That is a great statue! So glad the University is honoring Big Jim in this way..
Carol: I agree. You could tell he was moved, although he kept a stiff upper lip!
I am so happy he was living when he received this well-deserved tribute!
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