James R. Smalley
James “Jim” Robert Smalley, age 90, passed away on Monday, May 26, 2025 at his home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Family will be present for visitation from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at Miller Funeral Home – Downtown Chapel (507 S. Main Ave., Sioux Falls, SD) with a short prayer service to begin at 3:45 pm. Interment will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, June 2, 2025 at Hills of Rest Cemetery (300 Chapel Hill Rd., Sioux Falls, SD). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Make A Wish Foundation or the American Cancer Society in James’s honor.
James was born on September 6, 1934 to John and Mildred (Marvin) Smalley in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where he grew up. James graduated from Washington High School in 1953. It was there that he met the love of his life after a blind date.
On February 4, 1955, James married his beloved high school sweetheart, Geraldine McHenry. The couple was married for nearly 60 years at the time of her passing in 2014. James was absolutely smitten with Geraldine and faithfully doted on her throughout their beautiful marriage. Their relationship was one of the truest examples of pure love, and he did everything that she would ask. The couple had two children, Jeanne and Jeff. As a father, he was a dedicated provider that set high expectations for his family to prepare them for the world ahead. Though a mostly stoic man, James showed his care for his family through continuous support.
James served his country in the US Army and later in the US Navy reserves for 8 years. Following he displayed his hard work ethic at a variety of jobs, including driving a dairy truck and as a cook for McDonald’s back in their early years. James began his 38-year long career with John Morrells until his retirement. Post retirement, he drove a courtesy van for Graham Automotive.
James was incredibly active, even in his later years to the best of his ability, and he was passionate about baseball and softball. He started the first softball tournament in town with the Hilltop Association. He organized many tournaments including with the Sioux Falls Association, Tri-State Association and even participated in international tournaments. James was also gifted at coaching others to play and was a coach at Mark Twain and Lowell elementary schools and also coached with the YMCA. When he worked at Foremost Dairy, he made many notable plays and homeruns on their baseball team as well.
Other than his love of baseball, James enjoyed hunting, golfing and spending time with family. He was known to love the idea of fishing, but the fish weren’t always on James’s schedule and everyone that knew James knew that he liked things to be on time. James always had a plan in place and a to-do list to accomplish, so naturally, he wasn’t fond of sitting still. He was happiest accomplishing his tasks and taking care of all that needed to be done. James had a unique sense of humor and was gifted at making others laugh with witty comments and long-standing bits between his family. James was generous of heart and incredibly thoughtful. He served his community, serving at the Banquet and sending gifts to McCrossan’s Boys Ranch, among many others.
Grateful to have shared James’s life with him are his children, Jeanne Whitson of Oro Valley, AZ and Jeff (Pam) Smalley of Box Elder, SD; his grandchildren, Jason (Teri) Smalley of Sioux Falls, SD, Jessica (Norm) Whitson Lewis of Mesa, AZ, and Jenna Whitson of Oro Valley, AZ; and his great-grandchildren, Thomas and Patrick Lewis.
James is now reunited with his beloved wife, Geraldine Smalley. He is also preceded in death by his parents, John and Mildred Smalley; and his sister, Patricia Chamberlin.