James L. Magro

James L. Magro worked as a safety inspector for the West Virginia University School of Mines while attending West Virginia University. After graduation, Magro began his career at Eastern Gas and Fuel at the Grant Town Mine. He enlisted in the United States Army Airforce in 1942, serving on an air base in England as a technical sergeant responsible for maintaining United States aircraft during World War II. Magro worked for Consolidation Coal Company for the remainder of his career. He has served as director for several coal companies. In 1978, Magro was promoted to corporate vice president of the Blacksville Operations. In June of 1982, he retired from Consolidation Coal Company with 35 years of service. During his time at Consolidation Coal Company, Magro perfected the longwall mining system at the Blacksville Operations. Due to his successful efforts in pioneering longwall systems for Consol, the shift was made in the company to longwall mining. He was credited for working with Joy Machinery to develop the 12-CM continuous miner with roof bolters. This machine became one of the primary continuous miners used for longwall development in Consol's Northern West Virginia Mines. Blacksville No. 2 mine became the most cost effective and productive mine in Consolidation Coal Company during Magro's tenure at the Blacksville Operations.