James Edward Smalley II

James Edward Smalley II (Jim) unexpectedly passed away at his home on March 23, 2021 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Jim was born February 12, 1972 in Saratoga Springs, New York to the late James and Sharon Smalley. He was a 1990 graduate of Saratoga Springs High School.

Jim spent many years in the loan industry as a Senior Vice President while living in New York. In 2010 Jim relocated to the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. Moving to Virginia allowed Jim to reignite his passion in the automotive field in management where he remained until his passing. He was fortunate enough to work with several dealerships who treated him like family (thank you, Tom Bates) and eventually found his home at Pearson Toyota in Newport News. Jorge and the other members of the Pearson family allowed Jim to find his true happiness and get back to his original roots of being around "cars".

Jim's love of cars began from the time he spent as a young boy with his father going around to car dealerships on Sunday mornings. Jim's father was an executive vice president of a dealership in his past and never lost the passion for the business which he was now able to share with his son.

Jim's parents went on to open up a dry-cleaning business to which he was an integral part of until the mid-nineties.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Kim, his sister Stacie Dayton, his children, Henry and Benjamin Smalley, and their mother Carrie Guarcello, Jen Hanlon (Billy) and Drew Bradley. He is also survived by his two grandsons, Liam and Hunter and his nephews, Brian II, Jack and Michael.

Jim had so many friends that he cherished, starting from his days in Saratoga Springs, all the way to the Virginia Beach oceanfront, with a special shout out to CP Shuckers.

Kim would like to say a very special thank you to Mo and Adam who were instrumental in obtaining help for Jim in his final moments. Kim would also like to thank Virginia Beach EMS and fire dept on 17th street for their efforts.

Jim enjoyed these final years of his life with his wife Kim. It didn't matter what they were doing as long as they were together. From riding their bikes together on the boardwalk, dining out, home improvement projects or their visits to Florida and the keys. He was also enjoying his new role as Poppi. He also loved the shared passion of football with his sons, which was always interesting considering you had two Jets a Patriot and a Cowboy.

Jim will now have some peace without having to explain his undying devotion to the New York Jets.

Jim was a work in progress and in these later years worked hard to be the best husband, father, brother and friend that he could be.

A memorial for Jim is scheduled on April 11th from 6:00-8:00 at Altmeyer Funeral home, Southside Chapel, located at 5033 Rouse Drive in Virginia Beach.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local fire/rescue squad.