James "Mouse" J. Chacko

James “Mouse” J. Chacko, 83, of Charleroi, passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on November 10th, 2024. Mouse was born in North Charleroi on May 18th, 1941 to the late George and Mildred (Urash) Chacko.

Mouse was one of the best athletes to graduate from Charleroi High School playing multiple WPIAL sports including basketball, football, baseball , and track. During his career he set the Charleroi High School record for scoring 50 points in a game, and over 1,000 points in his basketball career. He was named first team to the prestigious Parade All American basketball team. He was also elected to the first team All State and WPIAL in basketball and led Charleroi to a WPIAL basketball title in 1958. Following his graduation from Charleroi Area High School in 1959, Mouse was inducted into the Charleroi Football Hall of Fame, the Charleroi All Sports Hall of Fame, the Mid Mon Valley All Sports Hall of Fame, Washington-Greene County Hall of Fame, the Western Penna. Hall of Fame and the WPIAL Hall of Fame.

Following High School, Mouse had the opportunity to sign a baseball contract with the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Cubs but decided to instead further his education at the University of Maryland while playing basketball there. He played baseball at Long Beach state in California. He went to California University of Pennsylvania where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Education, then later attended the University of Mississippi “Ole Miss”, where he received his Masters Degree in Guidance Counseling.

Following his college career Mouse taught at several high schools in Florida; Lake Wales High School, Port Charolotte, and Boca Ciega High School. He finished his career at Charleroi High School as a guidance counselor in 2005.

Mouse was a certified professional umpire, calling many games in the Florida Gulf Coast League. He also officiated basketball, baseball, and football in Pennsylvania's WPIAL. Most notably, he umpired for the “ Rotunda Superstars” TV show on ABC's “Wild World of Sports” television program. Mouse was head varsity coach of the Charleroi Boys Basketball team in 1977 and the Charleroi Girls Varsity basketball team in 1986-1988, coaching his daughter Jamie Jo and built a relationship with the team which has lasted throughout the years.

Mouse enjoyed going to the YMCA, and watching and listening to many Pirates, Steelers, and Celtics games. He was an avid reader and enjoyed it most while basking in the sun. He was proudly there to support his grandchildren in all of their academic and athletic endeavors as well.

Throughout all of his achievements what meant the most to Mouse was his family whom he loved with all his heart, community, and his students. He could always be found with a witty saying, honk of a horn, warm smile and he made those around him feel like family.

Surviving to cherish Mr. Chacko’s memory; his wife of 60 years, Carole (Pocky) Chacko. Daughters Marisa (Kevin) Lee, Jamel Chacko, Jamie Jo (Jon) Brodine and Mindy (Jacob) Ortolona. His grandchildren; Aly (Nathan) Hega, Sydney (fiancé Daryl Faulkner) Lee, Aislyn Lee, Ean Brodine, Mia Brodine and ,Oliviah Ortolana and Miloh Ortolona. His great-grandson Kellan Hega and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mouse always wanted to give credit to his beloved father, George "Beans" Chacko for making him the man he was. In addition to his parents Mr. Chacko is preceded in death by his brother Rich Chacko and his sister Joyce Annonio.

Friends and family will be received from 2:00 to 8:00p.m. on Wednesday, November 13th, 2024 at HOGAN-MELENYZER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 226 Fallowfield Ave., Charleroi, PA 15022. Funeral service will be held inside the funeral home at 11:00a.m. on Thursday, November 14th, 2024.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the wonderful care provided for Mr. Chacko by OSPTA Hospice, his wife Carole, his daughter Jamel, and his granddaughters Aly and Sydney.

In lieu of flowers the family asks you to indulge in random acts of kindness to honor the livelihood of Mouse.

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