James Riley Logan

James Riley Logan of Moline, IL, passed away May 18, 2023 at Four Seasons Rehabilitation and Nursing, Westland, MI.  He was 96 years old.

Visitation will be held at Esterdahl Mortuary in Moline, IL on July 15 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, with a memorial service at 11:00, followed by burial with military honors at Greenview Memorial Gardens in East Moline, IL.

Jim was born May 20, 1926, in Marionville, MO to Ellis Loren and Gertrude (Darby) Logan, one of ten children, and grew up in Springfield, MO.  He joined the Navy in 1944 and served on the USS Auburn in the Pacific theater.  After his honorable discharge he attended Western Illinois State and Augustana Colleges. He married Betty Jacobsen in 1948 and had four children.

Jim was a man of many interests and talents.  He was both an engineer and a chemist, working mainly in ultrasonic cleaning applications. Jim had a number of patented and unpatented inventions in ultrasonics and solar heating.  He was also a land surveyor, a cartographer and designed his own unique barbeque grill and coal stove.

Jim had a great love of science and nature, which he shared with his children, the Boy Scouts of Woodbury and Bethlehem, CT, with whom he volunteered, as well as anyone who would listen.  He loved gardening, raising vegetables and prize-winning flowers, reading, photography, music, cooking and baking.  He loved his country devoutly.  Jim was a very active member in the First Baptist Church, leading the Men’s Bible Class for many years.

Jim was predeceased by his wife of 69 years, Betty, brothers John, William, S. Paul, and Loren Logan, and sisters Mary Siegrist, Joanne Turner and Susie Weber. He is survived by brothers C. Robert and David Logan, and his children Sandi Westin, Claudia Shropshire, James (and Janet) Logan, and Lori (and Roger) Donna. He leaves as well three beloved grandchildren: Barrett, Alec and Taylor Donna, great grandson Braxton Cullen and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memories may be shared on the tribute wall.