James A. LaScola

 A lifelong resident of Chester, WV, James Anthony John LaScola Jr. (76) did NOT pass-away in the following scenarios on Monday, November 9:

Cliff Diving
Polar bear attack
Shark bite
Crushed by a glacier chunk
Running with the bulls at Pamplona

However, he did pass at his home with his loving wife of 52 years, Pauline (Hoyt) LaScola, by his side following a lengthy illness.

Jim was born on October 11, 1944, to the late Wilma (Woods) LaScola and James LaScola Sr. Of Chester. Jim Sr. Was serving in Antwerp, Belgium during World War II when he received a telegram from his mother that read “SON BORN. FAMILY ALL WELL. LOVING GREETINGS FROM ALL OF US”.

Jim, Jimmy, Goose, Bird Dog, Gee, or as his daughters and close family and friends referred to him, Dick grew up in Chester. He was part of this community throughout his life.  He proudly played on the Chester men’s softball team The Birds. Jim was also an outstanding member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, serving as an usher for over 30 years.

He was a letterman athlete of the Chester High School football and baseball teams graduating in 1962. Jim continued his education at West Liberty State College (University) graduating in 1967 with a major in History and Speech. He continued his studies toward his masters at West Virginia University. While attending West Liberty he was a proud member of the Chi Nu Fraternity.

Mr. LaScola (as he was known) started his first 25 years in education at Weirton High School teaching Social Studies and would go on to write the first curriculum later adopted by the Hancock County Board of Education for Criminal Behavior. He also loved teaching classes such as Sociology, Psychology, and Criminology.

 You would never see Mr. LaScola without a freshly pressed shirt, tie, and dress pants roaming the halls and teaching World History, US History I, and US History II at Oak Glen High School starting in 1992 until his retirement in 2000.

An avid golfer, Jim could be often be found in his spare time and retirement years hitting the links at Beaver Creek Meadows Golf Course with his friends and family.

Later in life, Jim enjoyed joy rides and car shows around the area in his red Corvette and Camaro.

He will always be remembered and deeply loved by his daughter Megan LaScola (Schoen), son-in-law Christopher Schoen, grandson Connor of Pittsburgh; Beth LaScola of Charlotte, NC; sister Angelina (Angie) Bell, and brother Charles of Chester, and many other devoted family members.

The family would like to extend its deepest gratitude to Valley Hospice of Steubenville for making him so comfortable during his final days.

There will be no calling hours due to Covid-19 restrictions at this time. A memorial mass will be held at a date to be announced at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Chester, WV.

Anyone wishing to observe and celebrate Jim’s life and memory should send contributions to the Chester-Newell Fish in care of Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 418 Fourth St., Chester, WV.  26034.

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