Jack died of a stroke on 1 September 2000 at the University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Family members include two sons, Ronald Kelly Smallman of Norfolk, VA and John Edward Smallman of Lynn Haven, FL: two daughters, Barbara Jean Bassford of Arnold, MD and Susan Ann Torner of Annapolis, MD; a sister and six grandchildren. He was predeceased by a son, Kenneth James Smallman and a brother.

Jack was born in Brooklyn, NY and graduated from Harding High School in Bridgeport, CT in 1950. Following graduation, he joined the Navy and subsequently entered the Naval Academy through the Naval Academy Preparatory School. While at the Academy, Jack was known for his competitive spirit, both in sports and academics. Upon graduation, he was commissioned in the Marine Corps. During his military service, he saw action in Vietnam, where he received two Bronze Star Medals with Combat “V” and the Vietnam Service Medal with four Stars. He also received the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation and Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star. Jack attended the Navy Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA and was awarded a Masters degree in Computer Science – graduating first in his class.

Jack retired from active duty in 1984 and went to work for Striggle, Inc. in Baltimore, MD for a short time before joining the Fleet Reserve Club in Annapolis, MD as Comptroller for 12 years. His interests were golf, travel and boating. He was interred on 6 September 2000 at the Academy Columbarium.