Major James (Jim) Russell Dayton

Major James (Jim) Russell Dayton, USA, Retired, a resident of Dothan, passed away on Saturday, August 21, 2021. He was 82 years old.

A private family graveside was held at 10 am on Thursday, August 26, 2021 in Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. Burial with military honors followed in Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the US Army Aviation Museum, www.armyaviationmuseum.org, Bldg. 6000 Novosel Street, Fort Rucker, AL 36362, 1-334-598-2508, or to The Friends of Army Aviation, http://friendsofarmyaviation.org/support/.

Jim was born on April 24, 1939 in Vienna, Maryland and lived there the early years of his life. After graduating from high school, Jim joined the US Army and proudly served for 22 years, flying two tours in Vietnam. He graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in 1973 with a BS in Aeronautical Science and a BS in Aviation Maintenance Management. Jim had over 30 years of experience in aviation, having worked with Northrup, Sikorsky, Dyncorp, and CSC, as a Test Pilot, technical inspector, maintenance supervisor, and as Director of Quality. Jim loved to travel and was an avid stock car racing fan, he enjoyed “tinkering” and participating in car shows with his father’s 1967 Ford Galaxie 500.

Mr. Dayton was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Evelyn Dayton and by his sister, Shirley Dayton Gray.

Survivors include his wife of almost 63 years, Becky Dayton; his daughter, Terri Walker of Ozark; his two sons, Mark (Lynne) Dayton of Andalusia and Troy (Dan) Dayton of Atlanta, GA; his grandchildren, Brent (Amber) Walker of Midland City, Kristin (Erik) Henderson of Wicksburg, Ryne (Lindsey) Walker of Birmingham, AL, Connor Dayton of Lenexa, KS, and Rachel Dayton of Birmingham, AL; his 5 great-grandchildren, Carson, Addison, and Anna Henderson, Willis Walker and Alice Walker.

Robert and Toni Byrd · Sunset Memorial Park

1700 Barrington Rd, Midland City AL · (334) 983-6604