James Hogan Commemoration
A Final Toast to "Just Plain Jimmy"
James Hogan was a notorious personality whose exploits often filled the pages of the Idaho Daily Statesman during the early twentieth century. The paper referred to him as "Hogan the Stiff," on account of his severe drinking problem and oft times public intoxication. Despite his recurring public drinking binges and trips to jail, the Statesman wrote kindly of him when he died, calling him everybody's friend. His grave in Boise’s Morris Hill Cemetery, unmarked since 1908, now has a new grave marker thanks to the efforts of local author Rick Just. Of the campaign, Rick explained: “After telling his story on my daily Facebook Idaho history post, Speaking of Idaho, there was some interest in marking the anonymous spot where he is buried. Today, we know that alcoholism is a disease, not a social failing. It's time to give this man a measure of respect.” James has been afforded the respect of a marked final resting place thanks to the efforts of Rick Just and funds raised by a GoFundMe campaign.
A commemoration for James Hogan with a short presentation by Elizabeth Jacox of TAG Historical Research and Rick Just will be held in the Greenbelt Room on the third floor of Boise City Hall on Wednesday, June 20 at 12:00 PM. Drinks and snacks will provided.