James Smallin, 71

James Smallin, 71, a retired mechanical engineer, died March 13 in Granbury, Texas.

Smallin was born on March 21, 1936 in Del Rio, Texas to Robert L. Smallin and Elna Bedingfield Smallin. He retired from the U.S. Naval Torpedo Station in Keyport.

Smallin was employed in the aerospace/defense industry for more than 40 years, during which he received a number of citations and commendations for his work on programs such as the space shuttle and Trident submarine torpedo systems. Upon retirement in 2001 he moved to Granbury. He was an avid gardener with a love of flowers who had great pride in his vegetable garden each year. He was also an aviation buff and took flying lessons in pursuit of a Sporting Pilot License. He also had a keen interest in fishing.

Smallin’s most cherished accomplishment was being the father of twin daughters who will forever hold him dear in their hearts. In recent years he was most proud and adoring of his two grandchildren.

Smallin is survived by his wife of 49 years, JoAnn; daughters, Charlene Redinger and husband, Dennis, of Granbury and Gail, of Kaufman, Texas; grandchildren, Elle Mae Redinger and Ethan James Redinger; brother, Roy, of Kerrville, Texas; sister, Bobbie Cooke of Corvalis, Ore.; brother, John and wife, Betty, of Granbury; and numerous relatives and friends.

Private services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.