"I was sad to read of Jacks death. The Smalling family and I go wayyy back. In 1964-*1966, Ray Smalling, Jack?s Dad, was my homeroom teacher at Ames High School. When Jack moved to Ames they lived about 5 blocks from me. His wife was a wonderful cook and I bought many of her banana bread loaves ?sometimes at her garage sales, and sometimes at First United?s bizarre. Then Jack?s sons were born and they were very close to my three sons ages. So they all went to school together and graduated from Ames High School. After the death of his wife, Jack would often go for walks and pass my home on 24th St. If I was outside, he would stop and we would visit about our families. He was a. Very proud Dad and just a good man, with a big heart. May he find eternal rest and joy, in the Mansion above! Warm hugs to the family, Dee Ann Weiss, John, James, & Jeff "
In loving memory of
Jack Smalling
August 25, 1940 - June 26, 2026
To watch Jack's service live https://youtube.com/live/I8VLzj29qZw
Raymond "Jack" Smalling, born August 25, 1940, in Ames, Iowa, passed away peacefully on June 26,
2026. He leaves behind a life rich in family, baseball, and enduring traditions. He was the beloved son of
Raymond Howard Smalling and Helen Luella Ebert.
During his early childhood, Jack experienced a unique chapter shaped by the times. In 1944-45, during
World War II, he attended five different kindergartens while his father served as a U.S. Navy officer.
Jack's passion for baseball began at an early age. He was a member of the very first Ames High School
baseball team in 1955, coached by his father, Ray Smalling. A proud lifelong resident of Ames, Jack's
roots in the community ran deep. He graduated from Ames High School in 1958 and went on to attend
Iowa State University, where he earned a degree in Education and German in 1962. While at Iowa State,
he played on the freshman baseball team, was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, and attended
Army ROTC boot camp at Fort Sill alongside his cousin, Larry Anton. He later earned a Master's degree
in Education Administration from Iowa State.
Jack's greatest joy was his family. In the summer of 1960, while at Kee-Nee-Moo-Sha Resort on Woman
Lake in Minnesota, he met Margaret Henderson. Though it was the only year Margaret's family stayed at
the resort, fate brought them together at the end of the main dock--Margaret sitting peacefully as Jack
approached, wearing his fraternity sweater. Their courtship included trips between Monmouth College
and Ames for Pi Phi and Kappa Sigma formals.
As Jack later wrote in his Baseball Autograph Collector's Handbook, two significant events in his life
occurred just ten days apart in 1964: he hit a single against Hall of Famer Satchel Paige on July 29, and
married Margaret on August 8. Jack and Marge were married in Rochester, Minnesota, and shared 33
wonderful years together until her passing in 1997. They were reunited on June 26, 2026.
Jack began his career in education, teaching in the South Hamilton and West Marshall school districts.
During that time, he also coached multiple sports--including girls' track--sharing his passion for athletics
and mentorship with countless students. He taught until 1979, when his fourth son, Robbie, was born. At
that time, he chose to stay closer to home, transitioning into the insurance business while continuing to
coach Little League and referee high school and college football.
One of Jack's favorite pastimes was attending Ames High sporting events. Friends and family often joked
that it was a toss-up whether he enjoyed the action on the field more or the concession stand fare. His
dedication to Ames High baseball was extraordinary--he attended at least one game every year for 71
consecutive years, from 1955 through 2026--a testament to his unwavering loyalty and love for the
game.
Jack's passion for baseball extended far beyond the stands. He was a founding member of the Ames
High Alumni Association and remained deeply involved in supporting the community. He coached Little
League from 1976 to 1995, famously using the same bunt and steal signs for three decades. In the late
1980s, he also coached freshman and sophomore teams at Ames High, working alongside other
dedicated coaches--many of whom were fellow parents--creating lasting memories for generations of
players.
Professionally, Jack remained close to the sport he loved. From 1969 to 1972, he worked as a part-time
scout for the New York Mets while also playing for and coaching the Ames Merchants semi-pro team.
In addition to his on-field involvement, Jack became a respected collector, historian, and businessman of
baseball autographs. Over many decades, he built an exceptional collection of baseball cards and
autographs including publication of more than 20 editions of his aforementioned book. In 1988, he was
nationally recognized as one of the top 10 autograph experts in the United States, reflecting both his deep
knowledge and dedication to the hobby.
Jack was also a lifelong member of Ames United Methodist Church, where he played on the church
softball team. For six decades, he was an active member of the Ames Lions Club, where he was
especially known for his humor in the role of "Tail Twister," delighting in good-natured teasing of fellow
members.
Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret Smalling; his parents, Raymond and Helen;
and his younger brother, Bob.
He is survived by his sister, Nancy of Grand Forks; his four sons: Ray (Kris) of Redmond, Washington,
Matt (Lori) of Redondo Beach, California, David of Olathe, Kansas, and Robbie (Amanda) of Hopkins,
Minnesota; and his cherished grandchildren: Carter, Catherine, MaKenzie, Mason, Braden, Quinn, Zayne,
Beckett, and Avery.
Jack will be remembered for his deep loyalty, his enthusiasm for baseball, and his enduring commitment
to the Ames community. His legacy lives on not only in his many accomplishments but in the traditions he
carried forward and the countless relationships he built.
Visitation will be held at Grandon Funeral Home on Friday, July 10, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.
A celebration of life service will take place on Saturday, July 11, at 1:00 PM at First United Methodist
Church in Ames, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Smalling Family Scholarship Fund at First
United Methodist Church www.https://onrealm.org/fumcames/give/Smalling or to the Ames High Baseball
Team.
Tributes
"We want to extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Jack Smalling. Karl Greve played with the Ames Merchants from 1966-1969. Mick Walker?s brothers Mark and Mike played for the Ames Merchants in the early 1960?s. Jack had a real love for the game of baseball. Mick and Joan Walker Karl and Judith Greve"
"Mr. Smalling was among my first male classroom teachers at South Hamilton (Stanhope) when I was in seventh grade in 1963. He was also the JH football coach and basketball coach. He made a great impression on me. He seemed to care about kids more than the subject matter. He made me feel important and confident, academically and athletically. I have such fond memories. He attended the SH class of 1970 fiftieth reunion, and I stopped to visit in his home, six or eight years ago. He was so proud of his autograph and address books. Mr. Smalling, rest in peace. You made a big difference in my life. Bruce Johnson, Hudson, IA"
"Jack was a one in 1 million guy! I really enjoyed him in our conversations over the years. He used to come to talk to my classroom about baseball and all of its wonder. Hugs to your family."
"I got to meet Jack and buy him lunch at Pizza Ranch. What a truly interesting gentleman he was, and so easy to talk with. Rest in Peace Jack. I pray that you get to meet All the legendary players whose cards you held so dear. ??"
"Sending healing thoughts and prayers to all of you boys and your families. It was so great to be able to work for Jack for 12years. Helping around the house and running errands for him. He was a very unique and interesting guy! And of course alot of baseball conversations! He became more of a friend then a customer. He will be missed by many people he crossed paths with in his life. Rest in peace Jack?"
"This is from a baseball autograph collector. The tributes that are pouring out on the websites are many and numerous. The baseball autograph community are so thankful for all that Jack did for us. He was so beyond kind, always willing to help us find "that last card", but beyond that, he was just such a friend to the hobby. My Jack rest in peace. Sincerely, Steve"
"I walked many miles over several years with Jack as a fellow participant in the ISU exercise clinic. We walked & talked about our families and the ups & downs in life. I was blessed to know the genuine kindhearted family man he was. My husband & I offer our heartfelt condolences for your loss. God bless."