[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 30 (Monday, February 24, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S999]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        TRIBUTE TO JAMES LaROSA

 Mr. MANCHIN. Madam President, I wish to honor the life of a 
remarkable West Virginian who was taken from us on February 15, 2014. 
James Dominick LaRosa, known to his friends and family as Jim, was a 
true pioneer developer who never forgot his roots as he helped enrich 
North Central West Virginia into a thriving, vibrant and beautiful 
region of the Mountain State. As we mourn the loss of a truly special 
person, I join all West Virginians in keeping in our thoughts and 
prayers Jim's only son, Jimmy Joe, his daughter-in-law, Leigh Ann, and 
his three grandchildren, Lauren Louise, Natalie Nicole and James Lee.
  A native of Harrison County, which neighbored my local area in Marion 
County, Jim was driven and motivated at an early age. Anyone who met 
him immediately recognized that there was a bright future ahead for 
Jim. In 1944, he graduated from Washington Irving High School in 
Clarksburg, WV and then attended West Virginia University. After 
graduating in 1948 with a degree in business administration, he learned 
the fundamentals of business in his father's small surface mining 
company. At the ripe age of 35, James assumed the position of president 
of his father's company.
  During this time, his entrepreneurial temperament took flight. Jim's 
unwavering dedication to the area's communities, accompanied with his 
innovative visions and inspirational spirit, helped improve the 
region's quality of life, enhanced medical accessibility, built 
multiple businesses and recreational facilities, created jobs, 
increased local revenue, boosted visitor access, and most of all, 
created a positive image of the North Central region.
  Many of Harrison County's most well-known areas and attractions can 
be attributed to the vision and discipline of Jim LaRosa, including the 
Pete Dye Golf Course, Bridgeport Hill and the Eastpointe and Newpointe 
Shopping Centers. He also focused on projects that underscored his many 
interests, especially his Italian heritage, quality food access, the 
performing arts and theater, interior decorating and animals.
  Time and again, Jim showed how greatly an individual can contribute 
to his community through passion, commitment and hard work.
  He not only played the role of pioneer developer, but he also served 
on several boards of directors, such as the Clarksburg Chamber of 
Commerce, Lowndes Bank and the West Virginia Coal and Advisory 
Commission. In addition, he served on the original board of the West 
Virginia Surface Mining and Reclamation Association and the Director's 
100 Club for WVU Athletics.
  During his life, Jim received countless awards to honor his 
accomplishments and his commitments to West Virginia's North Central 
region. He received the Distinguished West Virginian from two 
Governors. He also received an honorary doctorate degree of humane 
letters from Salem College in 1984. In 1985, our dear Senator Robert C. 
Byrd recommended to President Reagan that Jim should be a member of the 
Christopher Columbus 500th Jubilee Commission, which consisted of 35 
Americans of Italian descent, in celebration of the 500th year of the 
discovery of America.
  Jim's remarkable foresight, coupled with his leadership skills and 
his well-deserved accomplishments, has consistently enriched the 
communities of North Central West Virginia and across the Mountain 
State.
  Jim's imprint will always be marked in the countless businesses, 
facilities, centers and improvements that he established over years of 
hard work and dedication. He will be greatly missed by the people whose 
lives he touched.
  West Virginians cannot thank Jim enough for the steadfast commitment 
and positive influence he's had on our great State. Jim LaRosa will 
always be remembered as a truly gifted and exceptional West Virginian. 
And though he will be greatly missed, his legacy will always live 
on.

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