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Benton Today
By the People, for the People
James (Jim) David Chady, 88, Longtime Coal Executive, Dies
Chady had an extensive career with Old Ben Coal and owned a bed and breakfast in Benton, Illinois.
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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James (Jim) David Chady, an 88-year-old resident of Benton, Illinois, passed away on February 19, 2026, surrounded by his family. Chady had an extensive career in the coal industry, serving in various roles at Old Ben Coal, including mine manager and vice president of the Illinois Division. After retiring in 1992, he worked as a consulting engineer in the United Kingdom and also owned and operated a bed and breakfast in Benton.
Why it matters
Chady's passing marks the end of an era for the coal industry in Illinois, where he played a significant role for decades. His business ventures and community involvement also highlight the changing economic landscape in small-town America, as retirees seek new opportunities to stay active and contribute to their local communities.
The details
Chady was born on October 2, 1937, in Whitewater, Wisconsin, to Ernest Edward and Mary Lucile (Daley) Chady. He married Daryl Kirsti Haven in 1957, and she preceded him in death in 2012. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 1962, Chady had an extensive career with Old Ben Coal, serving in various roles from mine manager to vice president of the Illinois Division. Following his retirement in 1992, he worked as a consulting engineer in the United Kingdom and also owned and operated the 'Hard Day's Nite' Bed & Breakfast in Benton.
- Chady was born on October 2, 1937.
- Chady married Daryl Kirsti Haven on April 27, 1957.
- Chady graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 1962.
- Chady retired from Old Ben Coal in 1992.
- Chady passed away on February 19, 2026.
The players
James (Jim) David Chady
An 88-year-old resident of Benton, Illinois, who had an extensive career in the coal industry, serving in various roles at Old Ben Coal, including mine manager and vice president of the Illinois Division. After retiring in 1992, he worked as a consulting engineer in the United Kingdom and also owned and operated a bed and breakfast in Benton.
Daryl Kirsti Haven
Chady's wife, who preceded him in death in 2012.
Ernest Edward Chady
Chady's father.
Mary Lucile (Daley) Chady
Chady's mother.
Old Ben Coal
The coal company where Chady had an extensive career, serving in various roles from mine manager to vice president of the Illinois Division.
The takeaway
Chady's life and career highlight the important role that the coal industry played in the economic development of small-town Illinois, as well as the changing nature of retirement and entrepreneurship in these communities. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy of community involvement and business acumen will continue to inspire others in the region.
