Jon Huntsman Sr. Net Worth

What was Jon Huntsman Sr.'s net worth?

Jon Huntsman Sr. was an American businessman, philanthropist, and chemical industry pioneer who had a net worth of $3 billion at the time of his death in 2018. For much of his adult life, Jon was the richest person in Utah. Today, that title belongs to Cloudflare founder Matthew Prince.

Jon Huntsman Sr. was best known as the founder of Huntsman Corporation, a global manufacturer and marketer of chemicals and plastics. Rising from modest beginnings, he built one of the world's largest private chemical companies before taking it public in the 1990s. Alongside his business career, Huntsman became one of America's most prominent philanthropists, giving away more than $1.5 billion to charitable causes, with a particular focus on cancer research. His generosity and influence earned him widespread respect, and he was often described as one of the greatest givers of his generation. Beyond business and philanthropy, he played a role in politics as a Republican donor and advisor, while also raising a family that became deeply engaged in public service. His legacy is defined not only by industrial success but also by his remarkable commitment to giving back.

Early Life

Jon Meade Huntsman was born on June 21, 1937, in Blackfoot, Idaho, into a working-class family. His father worked as a schoolteacher and farmer, and the family often struggled financially. Huntsman credited those early hardships with instilling in him the values of hard work and persistence. He attended Palo Alto High School in California and later enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, where he earned a degree in business in 1959. He also served as a naval officer in the U.S. Navy, an experience that broadened his perspective before he launched his career in business.

In later years, Huntsman frequently recalled his upbringing as a driving force behind both his entrepreneurial ambition and his commitment to philanthropy, noting that his goal was to provide opportunities to others who came from similar circumstances.

PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images

Business Career

Huntsman began his career in the packaging industry, initially working for Olson Brothers, a family-owned egg business in Los Angeles. His innovative approach to packaging soon caught attention, and in the 1960s, he developed the first plastic "clamshell" container, which became widely used by fast-food companies such as McDonald's for its Big Mac.

In 1970, Huntsman founded Huntsman Container Corporation, which later evolved into Huntsman Chemical and eventually Huntsman Corporation. He built the company through a series of acquisitions, innovations, and strategic expansions, focusing on petrochemicals, plastics, and advanced materials. By the 1990s, Huntsman Corporation had grown into one of the largest privately held chemical companies in the world, employing tens of thousands of people.

In 1994, Huntsman took the company public, further expanding its global reach. Known as a tough but fair businessman, he emphasized ethical practices and loyalty to employees, cultivating a reputation as a leader who balanced profit with principle. Even during difficult economic cycles, Huntsman maintained a people-first philosophy, stating that his goal was always to improve the lives of both his employees and customers.

Philanthropy

Jon Huntsman Sr. was as well-known for his philanthropy as he was for his business empire. Over his lifetime, he gave away more than $1.5 billion, much of it to medical research and humanitarian causes.

His most notable contribution was the founding of the Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah in 1995. Motivated by his own battles with cancer and the loss of family members to the disease, Huntsman dedicated vast resources to finding a cure and improving treatments. The institute quickly grew into a world-class research and treatment center, recognized internationally for its groundbreaking work.

Beyond cancer research, Huntsman supported universities, humanitarian aid efforts, and programs aimed at alleviating poverty. He famously pledged to give away the bulk of his fortune during his lifetime, and he often criticized wealthy individuals who, in his view, hoarded their riches. His outspoken commitment to philanthropy set him apart as one of the most generous American businessmen of his era.

Getty

Political Involvement

Huntsman was also active in politics, primarily as a Republican donor and advisor. He served in the administration of President Richard Nixon as Associate Administrator of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Over the years, he maintained close ties to several U.S. presidents and political leaders.

His family also became influential in American politics. His son, Jon Huntsman Jr., served as Governor of Utah, U.S. Ambassador to China and Russia, and a Republican presidential candidate in 2012. Huntsman Sr. was proud of his family's service but often emphasized that his own legacy was rooted more in philanthropy than politics.

Personal Life

Jon Huntsman Sr. married Karen Haight, the daughter of a prominent Utah family, in 1959. Together, they had nine children, many of whom went on to careers in business, politics, and philanthropy. Huntsman was a devoted husband and father, often citing his family as his greatest source of pride.

A devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Huntsman's faith informed both his business ethics and his charitable giving. Despite his immense wealth, he lived with humility and frequently reminded others of the importance of gratitude and service.

Death and Legacy

Jon Huntsman Sr. died on February 2, 2018, at the age of 80. Tributes poured in from business leaders, politicians, and philanthropists worldwide, all of whom recognized his extraordinary impact. He left behind a thriving global corporation, a family committed to public service, and one of the most significant philanthropic legacies of his time.

His life story remains a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and generosity. From inventing the Big Mac container to building a multibillion-dollar chemical empire, and from battling cancer personally to funding world-class research, Huntsman embodied the idea that wealth carries with it a responsibility to improve the world.

Who's Richer?

Jon
Huntsman Sr.

Compare!

Abby
Huntsman