Jack Smalling

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-N...[more]

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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.