James Logue

James Logue, 86, of Atlantic and formerly of Cumberland, died Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Griswold Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. 

Born on February 17, 1938 in Cumberland, Iowa; the son of Jesse and Grace (Cozad) Logue, James grew up in a family of 11. This consisted of five brothers and five sisters. The family lived on a farm near Cumberland before moving to Atlantic, Iowa when James turned six years old. In Atlantic, he would go on to attend school and graduate in 1958.

While attending high school, James joined the National Guard and served for 6 years. He married Mary Ann Linfor during his time reenlisting. Their union spurred two daughters, Susan and Sherri. Mary Ann would go on to die from cancer a few decades later.

Not long after, in the cold air of late November in 1977, James saw a young woman sitting alone at a local bar known as The Western.  Curious, he asked the owner (who was tending the bar) about the solitary woman. Instead of answering him, the owner gave him the mysterious woman’s order (a single Pepsi) and instructed him to deliver it to her himself if he wanted to get to know her. Without hesitation, James walked over and sat down with his future wife Carol Knutsen. The pair talked all night. Carol talked about how she was waiting for friends (who were waiting at a different bar for her) and her concern with being in the wrong location- a coincidence that would forever change their lives. They married on June 16, 1979 at the Marne United Methodist Church.

James worked in several locations throughout his life. Some of his jobs included; a confidential role at a missile base, roofing for Turk Roofing, delivery for Minors Furniture, welding for American Builders, and maintenance work for Atlantic Specialty Care. He would go on to retire at 76. He used his retirement to spend more time with his children and grandchildren.

One of James’ favorite hobbies was fishing. While his wife Carol originally had no interest, she found her husband’s passion for the craft and willingness to teach to be endearing. From there the pair began to fish together often. Carol also convinced James to join one of her favorite hobbies in return: gardening. The two would go on to tend to their own flower garden and filet the fish they caught together. Both also enjoyed taking scenic walks and drives around Iowa through the various seasons. From the Boone Scenic Railroad fall tour to hiking in Preparation Canyon at Loess Hills, the two often found themselves surrounded by nature. Despite its simplicity, their life together was fulfilling for both of them. The duo saw each other every day for the next 44 years straight.

Jim is survived by his wife Carol of Atlantic; daughter Sherri Luke of Seattle, WA; six grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; his brothers Louis Logue of Texas and Dale Logue of California; and son-in-law James Erickson of Atlantic.

He is preceded in death by his first wife Mary Ann (1976); brothers Lloyd, Edward and Wayne; sisters Luella Smith, Zelma Pangburn, Betty Mudd, Gloria Logue and Verlee Logue; and daughter Susan Erickson.

A visitation with family present will start at 10 a.m., Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Roland Funeral Home.  Immediately following the visitation a Celebration of Life service will begin at 11 a.m., also at the funeral home.  Afterwards the guests will be guided to the burial at Southlawn Cemetery  in Atlantic, where full military rites will be presented by the Atlantic Color Guard.  

Memorials may be made to the family for later designation.

Roland Funeral Home is caring for Jim’s family and his arrangements.   Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.