WV businessman James “Buck” Harless dead at 94

James “Buck” Harless was born October 14, 1919 at Taplin in Logan County.   He graduated from Gilbert High School and went to work as a coal miner early in life.   He gave up the job in 1947 and went to work as the manager and part owner of a sawmill in Gilbert.  Harless died at his home Wednesday night at the age of 94.

Harless, a natural businessman, grew the Gilbert Lumber Company into a multimillion dollar international conglomerate.  His company eventually became International Industries and included a wide range of natural resources assets, but was primarily based on timber and coal.   The business also included hotels, real estate, and manufacturing.

Over time, Harless became a philanthropist and contributed sizable donations to many causes.  He provided funding for a large number of charities in Mingo County and surrounding communities through the years.  He was credited with creating hundreds of jobs in the region with his various companies.  He was also a substantial contributor to West Virginia University and Marshall University.

At WVU Harless served on the Board of Governors and made donations creating professorships and scholarships in everything from athletics to health sciences.   He was honored by the University as “Most Loyal Mountaineer” and “Order of the Vandalia”.  He was awarded a number of honorary doctorate degrees from various institutions including WVU.

Harless was also politically active. He was involved in many state and local political races and often financially backed candidates. The most high profile political role he played came with his backing financially of George W. Bush. It was Harless’ early support for the then Texas Governor which was credited with helping Bush carry West Virginia during his first campaign for the presidency.