Obituaries

James P. (Jim) Logan was born November 1, 1966, in Dubuque, IA, the 9th of 9 children to Richard H. and Mary A. Logan.

The family moved to Madison when Jim was in elementary school. His formative years were spent in Madison, Wisconsin where he attended James Madison Memorial High and the School within a School program. Class of 1984. Jim would form lifelong friends during his high school years. He and his buddies would definitely get into their share of shenanigans. Jim loved playing hockey and enjoyed as much time as possible on the ice.

Jim’s first jobs were in the restaurant business. His kitchen skills were stellar. He worked for Shooters, CJ’s and TGI Fridays while in school.

After high school, Jim enlisted in the US Army as a cook and was proud of his service with the 1st BN, 59th ADA in Germany, and the time he spent feeding troops. He loved to share his stories of arriving at the kitchen at 0300 to begin the day's work, or going to the field with his Mobile Kitchen Trailer, he loved his time being in charge in the kitchen.

After the Army, Jim took a job with the UW Madison in food service and again, seemed to be in his element at Gordon Commons, or the other facilities he worked at. Eventually Jim would leave the U.W. Madison and work at Central Wisconsin Center.

Jim was married to Sara Klimpel in 1995 and they had two beautiful children together. Quin and Allie have become amazing adults and were the pride of Jim’s life. They were both able to spend time with Jim over the past several months.

Our family could always relax when Jim was in charge of any number of large family meals and gatherings. Our sister, Kathleen and Bill Bach and the entire staff at their restaurant, Alt n’ Bach’s town Tap, rested easy when Jim was at the helm. It was always fun, working side by side with Jim over the decades at the Bar, or at any family gathering.

After a decade or so in the kitchen, Jim wanted a change of pace when he joined the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. He completed the Corrections Academy at Oshkosh, and his first assignment was the maximum-security prison at Columbia Correctional. Jim would eventually move to Oak Hill Correctional Institution near Madison where he would spend the bulk of his career.

To say Jim was proud of his service with DOC would be an understatement. Jim worked his way through the ranks from Corrections Officer, to Sergeant, then Lieutenant to Captain. Jim was a long time Commander of the prison unit inside UW Hospital and would earn the friendship and respect of many healthcare professionals for the way he interacted respectfully with everyone. Jim not only loved and respected the men and women he worked with, he also had a real respect for the inmates, always treating them fairly, and with dignity. Jim served on the Honor Guard, Emergency Response Team and as the NIMS/Incident Command Coordinator for many years.

Outside of his professional life, Jim loved everything outdoors. He prided himself on having the nicest lawn on his block. Bow/gun hunting with his friend Tom Beck, whom Jim admired and respected as a friend and co-worker. Fishing, camping, hiking, especially with his nephews RJ Logan and Ben Bach. They explored a lot of Wisconsin, often during cold and rainy months, and typically on or near water. We know their stories which have not yet surpassed the statute of limitations. Jim had a gift for putting people at ease. All the nieces and nephews can recall a funny story that Jim shared with them over the years. Jim' humble attitude, wittiness and caring attitude made him easy to love and admire no matter one's age or station in life. He was a true gem.

In the last few years Jim was blessed to have met his soulmate, Mindy. They would fall in love, travel, spend time with each other's families, and finally move into their dream house, in the rolling countryside of southwestern Wisconsin, and live a country lifestyle. Unfortunately, his cancer cut that country life way too short.

Jim was immensely proud of his children Quin and Allie. That Quin and Allie could spend time with Jim over the past few months is a true blessing. We are all blessed to have visited Jim over the past few months. Jim was strong and amazing throughout his battle with Pancreatic cancer.

Jim was feeling a connection with mom when he requested an early family Christmas meal together. The day before Jim took his final breath, many of us were able to gather to carry-on, raise a glass, enjoy a great meal, tell a few stories, and join Jim as he led us one last time. “Bless us oh Lord and these thy gifts which we are about to receive from thy bounty through Christ our Lord, Amen. “

Jim is survived by his wife, Mindy Leistikow-Logan, children, Quin, Allie and their mother, Sara. Bonus children: Skyler (Ashley), Reece, Justin (Melanie), Alex; granddaughter, Callie. brothers, Richard (Kathy) Logan, Dan (Vivian) Logan, Paul (Beverly) Logan; sisters, Mary ‘Biz’ Olson, Kathleen (Bill) Bach, Margaret (Kip) Kellogg, Maggie (Tim Ritchie); mother-in-law, Mary Grossman; brother-in-law, Troy Loga and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Mary Logan, sister Patricia Logan, and beloved brother-in-law James ‘Ole’ Olson

Rest in peace dear Jim. We love you and will miss you forever.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held on Friday, December 8, 2023, from 2:30 P.M. to 6:00 P.M at The East Side Club, 3735 Monona Dr, Madison, WI.

A private family burial with military honors will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Verona Chapel

220 Enterprise Drive

608-845-6625