James Michael Carvelli

James Michael “Chief” Carvelli, age 86, lifetime resident of Stonewood passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at United Hospital Center on Sunday, October 18, 2026.

Jim was born April 1, 1940, in Stonewood at his family home, a son of the late Luigi Carvelli and Anna Figler Carvelli.

He was married December 23, 1961, to Karen Queen Carvelli, having celebrated just shy of 65 wonderful years of marriage.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by five children, James M. “Jamie” Carvelli II and his wife Donna, Chris and MaryAnn Carvelli, Bridget and Stephen McIntire, Paul and Angie Carvelli, and Mark and Heather Carvelli. He cherished his beloved grandchildren, James M. “Michael” Carvelli III, Allison and her husband Cullin Cutright, Victoria, Corey and Cameron Carvelli, Louis Michael Carvelli and his fiancé Krystah Rose, Jaye C. Carvelli and her fiancé Erin Danik, Sue Ann Carvelli and her companion Chris LeMasters, and Xavier Carvelli. Four great grandchildren, Mylah, Brystol, Kohen and Jordyn. One brother-in-law, Mike Corcoglioniti as well as many nieces, nephews and extended families.

He was the last survivor of his immediate family having been preceded in death by five brothers, Frank Carvelli, George Carvelli, Joe Carvelli, Sam Carvelli and infant John Carvelli; seven sisters, Rose Perri, Elizabeth Signorelli, Mary McIntire, Anna Danes, Delores Corcoglioniti, Patricia Beto and infant Virginia Carvelli.

Jim was a graduate of Roosevelt Wilson High School, Class of 1958. He was formerly employed at the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company in Stonewood but the majority of his life he was employed by Union Carbide in Anmoore having held many positions including Occupation Supervisor, Supervisor of Yard and Shipping, and Fire Chief for the plant. He retired after 30 years of service.

Jim served the town of Stonewood for 39 years via the Fire Dept. It all started in 1963. They had a Class rating of 9, only 10 sets of gear, which was first come/first serve and most of the time, the gear did not fit. In 1966, he was elected a Lieutenant and worked towards getting a better rating. In 1967, he became Assistant Chief, then in 1971, became Fire Chief. James Boyce, the President of the County Commission asked him to call a meeting of all the fire departments (15 of them) and try to start a Harrison County Fire Fighters Association. It was agreed and Bud Bohn of the Stonewood Fire Department became President of the Association. In 1972, Jim called a meeting with Nutter Fort, Anmoore, and Stonewood Fire Departments. He coordinated mutual aid efforts and put it into place. In late 1972, he started working on a fire school, which came about in 1973 with classes taught by the WV Fire Extension Service paying for the instructors- almost 70 firemen attend this first round of classes. Then for the next few years, the department continued to pick up more and more calls, including car accidents. A rescue truck was purchased. After many letters and fund raising, the Jaws of Life was purchased for the new Rescue truck 124.

In 1975, he helped establish a Fire Commission, which would dispatch calls for all 15 fire departments. The first dispatch center was at the Bridgeport Fire Department, until they moved into their offices at the entrance of Compton Bowling Alley. Before the County started answering calls, the Fire Phone was located in the Carvelli home on Southern Avenue (for a total of 8 years)! In 1979, the first fire fee was put into place, and he was made Fire Chief of Union Carbide where he worked. At one time, Stonewood answered about 70 percent of all rescue calls in Harrison County. In 1986-1987, a new Fire Department was built where it stands today and named in his honor when he retired as Chief in 1994. He returned in1996 to become the President then on the Board of Directors until 2001. In total, he had 39 years supporting the City of Stonewood through the Fire Department. He spent countless hours sending letters to the State of WV to help prevent accidents on Rt. 50 and I-79 and raise money. Chief James M. Carvelli made a huge difference in the City of Stonewood as well as Harrison County. He served as a role model and mentor for hundreds of young men; many still provide for the citizens today. His family could not be prouder.

Jim also served his hometown as a member of city council for 4 years.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, 4th degree, and charter member of Stonewood Lions Club. He was proud to be one of the founders of the Mountaineer Cruisers Car Club and served as President for 13 years. He was an avid Ford enthusiast, having owned many many vehicles over the years, however his greatest passion was his Mustangs. In his younger years he was a coach for various youth sports including baseball for Bell Mining and Town and Country along with Jerry West basketball.

He was a lifetime member of St. Bridgets Catholic Church, which then became Our Lady of Perpetual Help where he truly dedicated his whole life to serving his church family in multiple capacities including parish council. He will be forever known as serving bereavement dinners where he led his fellow parishioners in the Martha Mary Group. Jim and his wife Karen officially retired from the group this past May of 2026.

Jim was involved in too many activities to possibly list. Above all, he was a dedicated family man having adored his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and will be missed by all who knew him.

Family and friends will be received at the Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201 Edison Street Nutter Fort on Wednesday from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM where a Vigil Service will take place at 7:30 PM to conclude the visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 22nd, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church on Cost Avenue in Stonewood with Father Kumar Reddimasu as Celebrant. Interment will follow in the Stonewall Park Cemetery in Stonewood.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to be made to the Stonewood Volunteer Fire Department, 8081 Plainwood Avenue, Stonewood, WV 26301 or Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 8092 Third Street, Stonewood, WV 26301.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com A Service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.