John Edmund Small

John Edmund Small, Jr. (Jack), 88, passed away on June 5, 2011 after a battle with cancer. A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 9, 2011 from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Lakeland Foundation. Jack was born on February 19, 1923 to John and Deanie (Overstreet) Small in LaPorte, IN. He was a WWII veteran, having served in Italy and France. Jack had a long career with Sears Roebuck and Co. and retired from the Benton Harbor Sears in 1986. Jack had a quest for living and experienced it with gusto. An avid and passionate golfer, he also expressed his love of nature through gardening, fishing and mushroom hunting. Jack was active in Blossomland Junior Achievement, Inc., Twin Cities Area Chamber of Commerce, St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Rotary Club, and Berrien Hills Country Club. He is survived by daughter Jacqueline Malsom of Newaygo; son John (Debra) Small of St. Joseph; daughter Patricia Small of St. Joseph; granddaughter Alissa (Greg) Robinson of Comstock Park; grandson Zachary (Karen) Malsom of Chicago and two great-grand children Aberdeen and Ewan Robinson. He is also survived by his long-time companion Sheila Kuball of St. Joseph. John was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years Ellen Ann Small in 2000 and a son James in 2003.