Amherst, James Dickerman Small, Jr., 71, passed away peacefully at his home in Amherst, Massachusetts, on Sunday, May 24, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. James was born in Sherman, Texas on July 9, 1943 to Captain James D. and Margaret (Peggy) H. Small. He was a devoted son, husband, father and grandfather. His good humor, warmth and love will be greatly missed.  He graduated from the University of California at Berkeley in 1971. While in San Francisco, James began working for Bechtel Corporation, where he met his wife Silva. In 1979, he moved with his family to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he worked as a cost engineer. They lived in Riyadh until 1995 and then moved to Amherst when he retired. His enthusiasm for life knew no bounds. He raced sports cars, flew airplanes, and played tennis regularly. He loved dinosaurs and science. He was an avid reader and game player who could never hear enough rock ‘n’ roll. James is survived by his wife Silva; his son James D. Small III and his wife Fiona; his daughter Inga Eckelberry and her husband David; his grandson Christopher; his mother Peggy; his sister Margaret Small and her spouse Peggy Baker; and several nieces and nephews. All services will be private. Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Sierra Club. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com

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