James “Jimmy” Logan was a celebrated figure in football, especially after his remarkable performance in the 1894 FA Cup final, where he scored a hat-trick for Notts County, leading them to a 4-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers. This win marked the club’s first major trophy, and Logan’s speed and precision earned him widespread acclaim. His achievement made him only the second player in history to score three goals in an FA Cup final, following William Townley of Blackburn Rovers in 1890.

Tragically, just under two years later, Logan passed away at the young age of 25. He was laid to rest in an unmarked grave at Loughborough Cemetery, far from his family home in Ayr, Scotland. For over a century, his resting place remained anonymous until dedicated fans from Notts County initiated efforts to properly honor his memory.

Logan began his career at Ayr before playing for notable clubs like Sunderland, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa. However, it was during his time with Notts County that he truly flourished as a player. His exceptional skill culminated in the unforgettable cup final at Goodison Park. According to author Dave Fells, who documented Logan’s life in his book “Jimmy Logan: The Life and Career of a Notts County Legend,” that day seemed to epitomize Logan’s career; everything fell into place as he outmaneuvered the larger Bolton players under sweltering conditions.

After his success at Notts County, Logan briefly returned to football with Loughborough in 1896 but faced tragedy shortly after. During a match against Crewe Alexandra amidst heavy rain and logistical issues with their kit, he caught a severe cold that later developed into pneumonia. Despite scoring in one final match against Crewe, Logan’s health deteriorated rapidly.

Fells notes that there may have been underlying health issues contributing to Logan’s untimely death; reports indicated that he struggled with maintaining form during fast-paced games. This raised concerns about potential cardiovascular weaknesses.

Logan’s funeral was modest; he shared his grave with another person he’d never met. His father attended despite their strained relationship stemming from Jimmy’s decision to pursue football over a career as a confectioner. After years without a headstone, fans Andy Black and Jimmy Willan spearheaded efforts in 2014 to secure one for him. By collaborating with local authorities and using historical records, they pinpointed Logan’s burial site and successfully erected a headstone in 2016, finally acknowledging the legacy of this once-great player after more than a century.