James Michael Dayton, 59, died July 25, 2017 after a short courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Founder of Dayton Heating & Air Conditioning Inc., Jim could fix anything; friends nicknamed him MacGyver and his clients called him an HVAC hero. Jim was disappointed he could not share his knowledge of how things worked with his kids, because the disease took his voice so quickly. His mind was strong until the end. Born May 18, 1958 in Grinnell, Iowa and raised on the family farm, Jim was a high school wrestler and an avid Hawkeye and Cubs fan. Jim loved to help others. He enjoyed working on the farm, driving tractors and raising cattle. One of his greatest treasures was rebuilding his `55 Chevy and refurbishing the family International Harvester 1066 tractor. Jim loved to work hard and play hard. He enjoyed traveling with his family to ski in Colorado, boat in Okoboji and excursions with his HVAC friends. Jim's greatest accomplishments was raising his three beautiful children with his wife, Teresa. They built a home full of God's love. He was active in his church and the love of the Catholic faith was always present in his endeavors. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Teresa, and teenagers: Rosemary, Lucas, and Lydia. Preceding him in death and greeting him with open arms in heaven is Jim's mom, Ruth Ann Schmitz Dayton, who passed from ALS in 2002. Surviving family include his father, R. Wayne Dayton, and siblings John (Connis) Dayton, Mary Jo (Dave) Seaton, Mark (Sherri) Dayton, Tom Dayton, Diane (Scott) Kinseth, Louise (Sam) Billmeyer, Carol (Steve) Schmidt, Ellen (Todd) Hoffman, and Teresa (Joe) Scognamillo. In-laws include Jack Beghtol, Pat Strause, Andrea & Fred Elms, Nancy & Gary Zinter, Lynn Hoff & Drew Cannon, John & Barb Beghtol, Janice & Jim Thoen and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces/nephews and cousins. Jim and Teresa would like to thank immediate family and the amazing extended family of St. Pius X Parish and neighbors and friends who provided meals, communion, smiles, laughter, walks, and cribbage challenges in the past 15 months. Our thanks also to Hospice of Central Iowa. Friday, July 28th, services held at St. Pius X in Urbandale begins with Rosary at 3:30 pm, Visitation 4-7 pm & Vigil at 7:00 pm.