James LeRoy Dayton, 81, of Mechanicsville, MD, died of mesothelioma on October 28, 2015 at Hospice of St. Mary's in Callaway, MD. James was born on December 24, 1933 in Phoenix, Arizona to the late Bertha Dayton Maddux and late Clifford W. Dayton.

In addition to his parents, James was predeceased by his daughter, Catherine M. Halm; son, James Michael; and half-brother, Orville Maddux. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Jean Hottle Dayton; sons Mark A. (Misti) and Kenneth J. Dayton; daughter-in-law, Sheri Dayton; grandchildren, Crystal Dayton, Stephanie Dayton, Kevin Dayton, Patrick Dayton, Erica Halm Dayton; great-grandchildren, Samantha McManuels and Noah Barnes; brothers, Dewayne Dayton (Donna) of Salem, Oregon, half-brother, Donald Maddux of Kingman, AZ; three nieces; two nephews; many friends in the EOD community; and his airport buddies.

Jim retired from the Navy after 20 years serving on various ships and then serving as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician. After his military service, he started his pile driving business (Dayton Services, Inc.) He went on to become owner of the Piedmont Flight Center at St. Mary's Airport, where he built and flew various aircraft, pulled banners, and just basically thoroughly enjoyed the world of flying.

A special thanks is extended to Dr. Emad Al-Banna who has been his friend and has done above and beyond for Jim who was like a brother.

A Life Celebration will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2015 from 2:00-4:00p.m. with a Memorial Service at 3:00p.m. at Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Rd., Charlotte Hall, MD 20622. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded EOD Warriors Foundation, P.O. Box 309, Bluemont, VA 20135; Fisher House, 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420, Rockville, MD 20850-5168; Hospice House of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650 or a charity of choice. Arrangements provided by Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home.