GILBERT, W.Va., Jan. 3 (UPI) -- West Virginia businessman and philanthropist James "Buck" Harless has died at his home in Gilbert, his family said. He was 94.
Harless died Wednesday after a brief illness, the (Huntington) Herald-Dispatch reported.
Harless worked as a coal miner before becoming part owner of a sawmill, building the Gilbert Lumber Co. into International Industries Inc., multimillion-dollar conglomerate with holdings in timber, coal, hotels, real estate and manufacturing.
He was a benefactor to charities and other organizations, as well as Marshall and West Virginia universities.
Born Oct. 14, 1919, in Taplin in Logan County, Harless grew up in Gilbert in Mingo County. After graduating from Gilbert High School, he worked as a miner at Red Jacket Coal Co.
The Harless name is etched in buildings in Mingo County and on college campuses, and is part of several educational programs at Marshall and WVU.
"He was renowned for his business acumen and esteemed by the elite and well-connected," Marshall University President Stephen Kopp said in a statement. "He was a touchstone for political aspirants; however, it was the countless lives of everyday people he touched through his generosity, caring and willingness to share his wisdom that set him apart. ... He understood the virtue of compassion for others less fortunate and was the embodiment of a life well-lived."
Harless, who served as Gilbert mayor for two terms in the 1960s, was a major backer of George W. Bush's 2000 presidential campaign, helping the Republican win West Virginia's five electoral votes in what turned out to be a close national election.
He was inducted into the West Virginia Coal Hall of Fame in 1998 and the West Virginia Business Hall of Fame in 2001.
Harless is preceded in death by his wife first wife, June, and a son, Larry Joe, among other relatives. He is survived by his second wife, Hallie; a daughter, Judith; two half brothers; two stepsons and several grandchildren.
