Photo courtesy of Feerick Funeral Home - Shorewood
Shorewood, Wisconsin
Apr 27, 1934 – Jun 18, 2019
James Edward Smallins Sr. 85, of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin. Loving husband for 62 years, of Roberta passed away on June 18, 2019. Father of James Jr. and Robert, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was born on April 27th in Shelbyville, Tennessee, but moved to Evansville, Indiana with his brother Charles where he was raised. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Evansville, the University of Evansville, and he excelled in Basketball, Track, among multiple other sports. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the University of Evansville in addition to the Tri-State Hall of Fame. Jim and Roberta moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1957 where he began a career in education and coaching in various sports at Lincoln High School in Milwaukee. His coaching career included 2 state championships in basketball and he was inducted into the Wisconsin Basketball Hall of Fame. After retirement, Jim continued his love of basketball by coaching at Holy Family Church and Whitefish Bay High School. Jim built his life around his love of family, his students, many friends, and community. His deep love, integrity, and strength will be greatly missed. His wife requests many prayers.
Visitation will take place from 11:00 AM until time of remembrances from family and friends at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at Wisconsin Memorial Park, Chapel of the Chimes, 13235 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, WI. Entombment to follow.
Read MoreJim and I worked together at Lomax and Nicholson Sporting Goods Store in Evansville, Indiana, during the 1952-53 school year. He was a student at Lincoln High School, an all-black school, while I attended Memorial High School, an almost all-white school. Jim was my first black friend. I hope he thought of me as a friend also. I remember his kindness and humility.
Gene Moutoux
October 19, 2020 | New Albany
Jim was a profound educator and, without a doubt, a superior athletics coach.
Moreover, he was in fact an excellent role model and, as always, the perfect gentleman.
I love (present tense) him dearly.
Bless you my friend.
Tyrone Hearn
January 17, 2020 | Stafford, VA | Friend
God Bless. RIP
Shirley Sherrod-Collins
September 11, 2019 | Chicago, IL | Student
His Brother Charles was my friend. Roberta you will be in my prayers and he will be missed.
Martha Bryant
July 24, 2019 | Louisville, KY | Acquaintance
A great administrator,teacher,mentor and coach R.I.H.
Carl May
July 05, 2019 | San Antonio, TX | Student
A great father, husband, leader and mentor to so many. Such a privilege to have been a friend to your sons and to have learned how to be a mentor to others.
Such a class act who did what it takes rather than take what was offered.
RIP James. Not just a leader....but a hero to so many.
Mike McLoughlin
July 02, 2019 | Camarillo, CA | Friend
Sending many blessings to Mrs. Smallins and family. His journey has only started. Love to all. Linda Maholias
Linda Maholias
June 30, 2019 | Daytona Beach, FL | Friend
Outstanding coach .
Russell Graham
June 28, 2019 | Valrico, FL
May his spirit live with you and bring you peace. My memory of Mr. Smallins is of a very professional and caring administrator during my years at Washington High School in the early 70's. I was very proud to walk through the halls and see him.
Ruth (Ivy)Ingram-Calvin
June 28, 2019 | Milwaukee, WI | Student
