June 1, 2025 - A gentle man has passed to his eternal reward. Well-known and highly respected mining engineer, James L. Corsaro, passed away at home on May 25, 2025. He lived a life devoted to his family, his God, and to improving the coal industry. He was a loving, honest, ethical and loyal husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend, and mentor, but his favorite role was ‘Pops’ to his six grandchildren.

“Jim and I became lifelong friends over 50 years ago and I am proud to call him a dear friend for so many years,” said Calvin Kidd, himself a well-known character in the mining machinery industry. “Carol and I are so lucky to have shared so many good times with Jim and Betty, and we will never ever forget how much happiness they brought into our lives. All his many friends will never forget the gigantic contribution Jim made to his beloved coal Industry and those connected with it.”

Jim Corsaro

Jim was born on June 3, 1943 in a mining camp in Stickney, WV to immigrant parents from southern Italy. His father and both grandfathers were coal miners. After graduating from DuPont High School, he received a scholarship to study Mining Engineering at West Virginia University. He earned a BS in Mining Engineering in 1966, and a MS Degree in Mining Engineering in 1968. He was a registered professional engineer.

Going to work for Eastern Associated Coal Corp. in 1968, Jim moved through the ranks and was the youngest superintendent in the company’s history. He served as Vice President for safety and training for Eastern Coal. During that period, as a result of the improvement in safety achieved at Eastern Coal, he provided expert testimony before the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Underground Mine Safety regarding the development and implementation of effective safety programs and reduction of mine injuries and accidents at the Eastern Coal mines. In 1986, he was appointed Vice President of Corporate Engineering at Eastern Coal.

Furthering his career, he accepted the position of Vice President of development for Carbon Industries and was appointed President in 1990. The assets of Carbon Industries were purchased by Penn Virginia Operating Co. in 1999 and Jim served as Vice President of that organization until his retirement in 2012 after 54 years in the coal industry.

Jim served as President of the WV Coal Mining Institute, President of the WV Land and Mineral Owners Association, Chairman of Careers in Coal, President of the WV College of Mineral and Energy Resources Alumni Council, and as a member of the WVU Department of Mining Engineering Visiting and Advisory Committee. He was appointed by Gov. Rockefeller to the WV Board of Miner Training, Education, and Certification in 1984. He also served 10 years as president of the Kanawha Valley Mining Institute and drove the organization forward. KVMI supports the education community and West Virginia by raising and distributing annual scholarships to deserving students each year. In 2019, Jim was inducted into the West Virginia Coal Hall of Fame which recognizes leaders in the coal industry.

Jim often mentioned his appreciation for the mentors and friends that guided and encouraged him throughout his career, and he took pride in those individuals whom he mentored in the development of their careers and their contributions to the coal industry, the coal community, West Virginia, and the many lives they touched.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Michelangelo and Palma Corsaro; sister, Mary Angeles; and brother, Larry Corsaro. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Betty; and sons: Michael (Misty), David (Stephanie) of Hurricane, WV and Matthew (Jia) of Carmel, IN. The lights of his life were his grandchildren who include: Holly, Lauren, Christopher, Zachary, Mia, Haley Corsaro, and Brayden Pauley.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 12:00 noon June 6, 2025 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Nitro, WV.

Friends may pay their respects from 10:00 am until noon prior to the Mass of Christian Burial, to be officiated by Fr. Chapin. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Scott Depot, WV and will be limited to family due to parking constraints.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Holy Trinity Catholic Church, P.O. Box 339, Nitro, WV 25143 or Kanawha Valley Mining Institute, P.O. Box 2005, Charleston, WV 25301. Anyone wishing to leave an online memory may do so by visiting Jim’s tribute page at: www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com.

Chapman Funeral Home Hurricane, WV is honored to serve the Corsaro family. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James L. Corsaro please visit our Sympathy Store.