Michael Jason Casolari, Jr., of Harlan, Kentucky, formerly of Cumberland, passed away Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee, following a brief illness, with his family was by his side. He was twenty-seven years old.

Jake, as he was known to family and friends, was born on February 28, 1998 in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, to Phyllis Marie (Cornett) Casolari and Michael Casolari, Sr. As a life-long Harlan County resident, Jake attended Cumberland Elementary and graduated from Harlan County High School, where he was a member of the Black Bear football team, the weight team, and threw shot put and discus for the HCHS track team.

After graduating in 2017, he immediately entered the work force. Jake worked for Cumberland Mine Service, UPS, and did construction work before landing a job with the R.J. Corman Railroad Group as a heavy equipment operator, where he has worked for the past three years.

An avid outdoorsman, Jake enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding his side-by-side with Lily, his long-time girlfriend and soul mate. He and Lily were an inseparable pair for over six years with plans to officially begin their family once she finished nursing school. It was important to Jake that Lily completed college, earning her nursing degree. Mostly, he would say, because Lily was going to be his "retirement plan" so he could retire early and hunt all the time.

He was a happy, gentle giant of a man who had a contagious laughter and a big heart. Jake was quiet around those he didn't know well but if he did know you, his outgoing personality would shine. He was a wonderful big brother to Tyler and was crazy about his two year old niece, Ivory, whom he thought hung the moon. Jake was a member of the Totz Missionary Baptist Church.

He is preceded in death by his best friend, grandfather and 'Other Dad', Harry Cornett, Jr. and his great-grandparents, Lawrence and Wilma Casolari.

Those left to celebrate his life and mourn his passing include his mother, Phyllis Casolari; father, Michael Jason Casolari, Sr (Tiffany); brother, Tyler (Taylor); special niece, Ivory Casolari; grandparents: Margie Clay Cornett 'Other Mom', June and Larry Casolari; uncles: Harrison Cornett, III, Fred Cornett, Tony Casolari; the love of his life, Lily Nantz; Lily's family: Jennifer Simpson, Levi "Poppy" Simpson, Cobern Kirby; special friends, Zack and Charlie Austin; a host of extended relatives; as well as many friends.

Services for Jake will be held Saturday, June 14, 2025, at the Tri City Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 12:00-3:00 with the funeral beginning at 3:00. Brother David Hill will be officiating. He will be laid to rest beside his grandfather, Harry, at Huff Cemetery in Cumberland, KY. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Tri City Funeral Home to assist with funeral expenses.

Tri City Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Jake Casolari.