James Charles Smallman

James “Jim” Charles Smallman, 87, of Alameda, California, passed away in Statesville, North Carolina, on December 31, 2025.

Born in Illinois to Harold and Marjorie Smallman, Jim spent his early years in the Chicago suburbs with his brother and sister. In 1952, at age 14, the family relocated to Los Angeles. Jim graduated from Los Angeles High School and entered Stanford University in 1956, where he majored in physics.

In 1961, Jim joined the U.S. Army and was assigned to an experimental computer group in Stuttgart, Germany. There, he contributed to the development of the Army’s first operational computerized Command and Control system. After returning to the United States in 1964, he began working in the Mathematical Systems Department at Kaiser Engineers while studying part-time at the University of California. He earned his B.A. in mathematics in 1969.

Jim’s love for historic architecture began in 1971 when he purchased and restored his first Victorian home. He joined the Alameda Victorian Preservation Society in 1972 and served as its president in 1974. Over the years, he restored several notable Victorian properties, including two Joseph A. Leonard Queen Anne homes.

Professionally, Jim accepted a role as Chief Information Officer at the Harper Group in San Francisco in 1978, launching a two-decade career in the transportation industry. Later, with Burlington Air Express, he relocated to Orange County. When faced with another move in 1998, Jim chose to remain in Orange County and transitioned to education. Using his mathematics background, he earned a teaching credential and taught high school math for ten years. In 2008, he was honored as Teacher of the Year before retiring.

After retirement, Jim returned to Alameda and reconnected with the preservation community. During this time, he restored the 1837 Clinton property to its original appearance over the course of a year. In 2014, he began work on its “sister” house, completing the restoration in 2015. Jim also served on the boards of the Alameda Architectural Preservation Society and The Alameda Museum. He volunteered as a docent at the Meyers House and Garden and continued sharing his love of mathematics by tutoring students at Alternatives in Action High School.

In 2022, Jim moved to North Carolina to be near his son, where he spent his remaining years.

Jim is survived by his four children—David, Andrew, Rachel, and Joshua—and his beloved grandchildren: Brookelyn, Isaac, Talia, Eliana and Hazel.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Smallman.