LOGAN, JOSEPH G., JR.

Age 86; passed away November 30, 2006, in Los Angeles. In death, he joins Esther, his wife of 54 years. He is survived by his loving family: son Joseph, daughter-in-law Yumi, and granddaughter Ai-Ling; daughter Eileen Harris, son-in-law Joe and grandchildren Joseph, Rachel, and Kristina; brother-in-law Lawrence Taylor; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joseph G. Logan Jr. was born in Washington, D.C., where he attended and graduated from Shaw Junior High School and Cardozo High School. He received his B.S. degree from D.C. Teacher's College in 1941. He continued his studies in Physics while working for the National Bureau of Standards and Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory, and he received his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Buffalo in 1955.

Dr. Logan relocated his family to Los Angeles, California, where he headed the propulsion research lab at Space Technology Laboratories from 1958 to 1961. From 1961 to 1967, he directed the propulsion research department for Aerospace Corporation and was instrumental in developing parts for the Titan III space mission.

In the January 3, 1964 issue of Time magazine celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King as Man of the Year for 1963, the feature article noted the achievements of prominent Black Americans in sports and entertainment, and also highlighted the "seldom publicized accomplishments of [Black Americans] in more private vocations." Dr Logan was honored in that issue (photo) as one of those who had "broken the barriers, earned positions of respect and trust, and become part of the U.S. leadership community."

Dr. Logan continued his work in research and development with McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Co. until 1974, when he developed his own research company, Applied Energy Sciences, Inc. From 1977 to 1978, Dr. Logan was a member of the faculty department in Physics at Cal Poly University, Pomona, and in 1978 he became a business development specialist for the University of Southern California's Urban University Center. He served as director of the center from 1980-1988. During this time he received the Innovation Award from the Los Angeles District Office of the Small Business Administration for helping small businesses with strategic planning as well as with the utilization and marketing of new industrial technology. Dr. Logan acted as a private consultant in the field of physics throughout his later years, and was constantly in search of new discoveries.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, "Joe" will be remembered by family and friends for his patient tutoring skills in math and physics, his smooth boogie-woogie piano playing, his "cool" presence on the dance floor, and for his great bologna sandwiches.