Born: 25-May-1935
Birthplace: Cleveland, OH
Died: 11-Jun-1986
Location of death: Amlin, OH
Cause of death: Cancer - unspecified

Gender: Male
Religion: Roman Catholic
Race or Ethnicity: White
Sexual orientation: Straight
Occupation: Business, Auto Racing
Party Affiliation: Republican

Nationality: United States
Executive summary: Founder of Red Roof Inns

James R. Trueman was a Cleveland real estate developer of apartment and office buildings, who went into the hotel business in 1973, opening the Red Roof Inn in Grove City, Ohio, a few miles outside Columbus. By the time of his death at the age of 51 in 1986, there were 180 Red Roof Inns in thirty states; as of 2009 the chain has 345 locations in 36 states.

Trueman was also an active competitor in auto racing, winning the Sports Car Club of America national championship as a driver in 1975 and 1978, and sponsoring Bobby Rahal and the TrueSports auto racing team to victory at the Indianapolis 500 in 1986. He was the namesake of Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART)'s Rookie of the Year Award from 1979 until CART's dissolution after the 2003 season, and owned the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course near Lexington, Ohio, which is still owned by Truesports, Inc.

Wife: Barbara (Red Roof executive, three children)
Son: Colin (race driver)
Daughter: Megan
Daughter: Michelle

    High School: Cleveland Benedictine High School, Cleveland, OH (1953)
    University: Ohio State University (attended)
    Administrator: Benefactor, Wheeling Jesuit University

    Sports Car Club of America Champion Driver (1975, 1978)
    Red Roof Inns Founder & President (1973-86)
    Truesports Inc. Founder & President (1981-86)
    Member of the Board of Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART)

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