Who Is J. Willard Marriott? Age, Biography, and Wiki
J. Willard Marriott was born on September 17, 1900. As of 2025, he would have celebrated his 125th birthday if he were alive. Marriott was a pioneering figure in the American hospitality industry, having founded the Marriott Corporation. His legacy continues to shape the hospitality landscape even decades after his passing.
| Occupation | Republicans |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 17, 1900 |
| Age | 84 Years |
| Birth Place | Marriott Settlement, Utah, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 13 August, 1985 |
| Died Place | Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, U.S. |
Popularity
J. Willard Marriott's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Details about J. Willard Marriott's physical statistics aren't widely publicized; however, he was known for his charismatic presence and was regarded as a figure of stature in the business world. His commitment to hospitality and service was reflected in every aspect of his life.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
J. Willard Marriott was married to his wife, Alice Sheets Marriott, whom he wed in 1927. The couple had five children together. Their marriage was a cornerstone of both his personal life and professional endeavors, embodying the values of dedication and partnership. J. Willard's family continues to be actively involved in the Marriott business, ensuring the vision he built remains influential.
As a child, "Bill", as J. Willard was called, helped to raise sugar beets and sheep on his family's farm. At age 13, Marriott raised lettuce on several fallow acres on the farm and the harvest at summer's end brought $2,000, which Marriott gave to his father.
The next year, Hyrum entrusted Marriott, his eldest son, with the sale of a herd of 3,000 sheep, sending him and the sheep unescorted by rail to San Francisco.
Net Worth and Salary
Though J. Willard Marriott passed away in 1985, his legacy and the Marriott hotel empire continue to thrive. As of 2025, the Marriott International brand is worth billions, solidifying its status as one of the largest hotel chains globally. The total net worth attributed to J. Willard Marriott prior to his death was contributing to the family's wealth, which stands at approximately $60 billion today.
John Willard Marriott Sr. (September 17, 1900 – August 13, 1985) was an American entrepreneur and businessman. He was the founder of the Marriott Corporation (which became Marriott International in 1993), the parent company of the world's largest hospitality, hotel chains, and food services companies.
The Marriott company rose from a small root beer stand in Washington, D.C., in 1927 to a chain of family restaurants by 1932, to its first motel in 1957.
By the time he died in 1985, the Marriott company operated 1,400 restaurants and 143 hotels and resorts worldwide, including two theme parks, earned US$4.5 billion in revenue annually with 154,600 employees. The company's interests also extended to a line of cruise ships.
Career, Business, and Investments
J. Willard Marriott’s career began in 1927 when he opened a root beer stand in Salt Lake City, Utah. This small venture blossomed into a motel and restaurant empire, marked by innovation and an unyielding commitment to customer service. Over the decades, Marriott expanded rapidly, diversifying into various hospitality sectors and launching numerous chains, including Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, and Ritz-Carlton. Today, the Marriott International name is synonymous with excellence in the hospitality industry.
* "... [H]e walked from Capitol Hill to the Washington Monument, toiled up the steps to the top, walked back down again, and strolled over to the Lincoln Memorial. Everywhere he went tourists and pedestrians sweltered and sweated in the sultry, humid air.
On the way back to his hotel, he just stood there in the street watching the crowds, he couldn't get over it: a push cart peddler would come along the street selling lemonade and soda pop and ice cream, and in minutes he would be cleaned out and on his way to stock up with another cartload".
Social Network
Although J. Willard Marriott is no longer alive, the Marriott brand maintains a robust presence on social media. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter play a pivotal role in how Marriott engages with customers and the community, showcasing the brand’s commitment to quality service and hospitality.
Marriott's legacy continues today through the continuance of the company he founded and through his community involvement and philanthropy.
Marriott was a faithful member of the LDS Church and sought to share the church's teachings with others by placing a copy of the Book of Mormon in each hotel room, alongside a copy of a Gideon Bible—a tradition that has endured.
He also donated funds to the church's flagship tertiary educational institution, Brigham Young University (BYU), resulting in the naming of BYU's 19,000-seat multi-purpose arena (Marriott Center) in his honor.
While serving as home to the BYU Cougars men's and women's college basketball teams, the center also hosts various cultural events and religious devotionals. BYU's business school, the Marriott School of Business, is named in honor of Marriott. On the campuses of Marriott's alma maters stands the J.
Willard Marriott Library at the University of Utah and the Marriott Allied Health Building at Weber State University which houses the Dumke College of Heath Professions. The Bullis School’s library is also named in honor of Marriott.
Education
J. Willard Marriott attended the University of Utah, where he studied Hotel Management. His educational background laid the foundation for his successful career in hospitality. Marriott's vision combined educational insight with practical experience, making him a pioneer in the industry.
