Jim was born and raised Minot, North Dakota to James Farrel Smallwood and Hazel (Jylen) Smallwood. Jim is survived by his wife, Nettie (Olson) Smallwood of Kingwood, Texas, son James "Chris" Smallwood of Austin, son Dave Smallwood of Austin, daughter Jenny Smallwood of Austin, daughter-in-law Shelly Oliver of Austin, daughter-in-law Brandy Smallwood of Austin, granddaughter Mazzy Smallwood of Austin, grandson Cooper Smallwood of Austin, and granddaughter Arden Smallwood of Austin.
He was preceded in death by his sister Carol Yvonne Ryan. Jim received a degree in Geology from the University of North Dakota where he served as president of Sigma Chi Fraternity, and attained a Master of Science degree in Geology from the University of Miami, OH.
He served in the United States Army, Fourth Infantry Division after WWII, stationed in the US and Germany, and was discharged honorably as 1st Lieutenant. Jim enjoyed a 33-year career with Shell Oil Company, retiring as Geologic Advisor in 1991 after facilitating major discoveries in the Permian Basin and offshore California, among others. In retirement, Jim and Nettie traveled extensively throughout the US mainland and Alaska, and internationally including Australia, China, Kenya, mainland Europe and Great Britain.
Jim enjoyed a lifetime of golf, beginning with his first job at age 13 running the Minot municipal course pro shop, later as an accomplished member of both the Minot High School and University of North Dakota golf teams, and in retirement until back pain forced him off the links in his early 80s. He was also a huge fan and supporter of the University of North Daktoa Fighting Sioux Hockey Team (8x NCAA Division I Champs).
Jim will be missed dearly by his family and friends, who will pay tribute and host a memorial reception on June 5, 2:00 PM at Kingwood Funeral Home, 22800 Highway 59 North, Kingwood, TX.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks Athletics https://undalumni.org/Athletics)”
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