James Howard "Buck" Harless (1919–2014) was a prominent American businessman, philanthropist, and political figure from Gilbert, West Virginia. He began his career in the coal mining and preparation sectors before investing in a sawmill that produced mining equipment. After selling his lumber business to Georgia-Pacific, Harless navigated a ten-year non-compete agreement by establishing sawmills in Central and South America. He eventually returned to the domestic mining industry as an executive and founded International Industries, a conglomerate that managed his diverse business ventures.
Beyond his industrial pursuits, Harless was a dedicated philanthropist and civic leader in West Virginia. He contributed extensively to local schools, churches, healthcare facilities, and educational programs. His leadership extended to higher education, where he served on the governing boards of several institutions, including West Virginia University, Marshall University, Davis & Elkins College, and Concord University.
Harless also wielded significant political influence as a staunch supporter of the Republican Party. He played a pivotal role in the 2000 presidential election by spearheading fundraising efforts for George W. Bush in West Virginia. Fearing that Al Gore's environmental policies would damage the state's coal-dependent economy, Harless helped secure an upset victory for Bush in the traditionally Democratic state. His political activism also aided the gubernatorial campaigns of Republicans Cecil H. Underwood and Arch Moore.
