James Jay Logan

James Jay Logan, 90, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on July 11, 2025. Jim was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the beloved son of the late John Robert Logan and Mildred Klaus Logan. In 1952, Jim proudly joined the United States Navy. One of his cherished memories was being stationed in London during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. After serving his country for 20 years, Jim retired from the Navy and continued his career at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia, where he dedicated another 20 years to the federal government, working as an outside machinist mate before retiring a second time. A man of strong faith, Jim was saved and a longtime member of Biltmore Baptist Church in Portsmouth. Known for his warm personality, he never met a stranger. He enjoyed walking through the neighborhood, always stopping to chat and lend a hand. Jim formed lasting friendships wherever he lived, and he was the first to volunteer for projects or help with anything in need of repair. Jim took great pride in his home and always had a project underway. One of his favorite spaces was the sunroom he created from his screened-in back porch, where he would spend hours watching the deer, birds, and other wildlife. An avid fisherman, Jim loved being out on the water or fishing from a pier, and he eagerly shared that passion with anyone willing to join him. He especially enjoyed seafood—hard and soft shell crabs being his favorite. Jim was married to Jean Spivey Logan for 63 wonderful years until her passing in 2023. He is survived by his daughter, Connie Logan Lankford; three granddaughters, Emily Miller, Jennifer Lankford (Monty Buck), and Sarah Dorcsis (Keith); five great-grandchildren, Ryan Miller, Daniel Miller, Kailey Dorcsis, Caden Dorcsis, and Grace Buck; and nephews John James and Mark Spivey. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and nurses of Dr. Thomas Robeson’s office, Affinity Hospice, Comfort Keepers, and the Veterans Administration’s Geri-PACT Team, all of whom provided Jim with compassionate care in his final months. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 17th at Loving Funeral Home in Portsmouth. Visitation with the family will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Rick Williams. Burial will be private at a later date. In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Jim’s memory, the family kindly requests that donations be made to any veteran's charity or to Crosslife Church in Portsmouth, VA.