Battalion Chief – Battalion 3
Deceased:
09/01/2021
Appointed:
04/01/1957
Pensioned:
06/02/1982 – Batt3
Details about the Memorial Service
Additional Information:
Jim was the Department Chaplain for 17 years. Jim’s son is a retired Engineer, Fire Station 80, his grandson is an active duty Engineer at Fire Station 17.
Donations:
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS TO:
Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund
PO BOX 41903
Los Angeles, CA 90041
I worked for Jim when he was a CII at FS 10. One of the finest gentelmen I have ever met in my life. He left a lasting impression on me to try to be the best man i could possibly be. Another example of one our finest. RIP Jim Dayen.
Thank you Terry. My dad’s impression worked well with you. You are one of the finest men our department has had. God bless you.
We will miss you Papa! A beloved believer, husband, dad, grandpa, firefighter, and hero. Rest in Paradise until we see you again. We love you so much.
Well said Ash. Thank you Honey.
My condolences to Jim and his family. Chief Dayen was a wonderful man.
Thank you Tom.
Jim and my dad we’re golf buddies before I joined the LAFD so I knew him as a good guy who could hold his temper and who sang in church occasionally. But when I got hired I was able to see what an outstanding Officer and Gentleman he truly was. He was simply a cut above, with a quiet confidence and a natural Command Presence. It was his moral character that inspired me to become a Chaplain. May God bless and comfort Chief Dayen’s family as He blessed the LAFD with his years of faithful service.
Bob Smalley LAFD 1980-2000
Thank you Brother Bob. My family has such great memories attending church together with your beautiful family.
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Chief James Dayen. Jim was a Captain at HDTF 9 where I worked for him as a young Fireman in the mid 70’s. He epitomized the look, personality and leadership style that characterized that of an LAFD Officer and Gentleman. He treated everyone with dignity and respect regardless of the rank or shift you were on.. We were very busy responding to all types of fires and emergencies during this time period (much like the members currently assigned to FS9) and you could rest assure that you were in good hands if Captain Dayen was your leader that day.
Jim was an outstanding athlete and if I’m not mistaken, he played Baseball on a proffesional level as a pitcher. His athleticism and background made him a natural on the handball court. If you didn’t play handball at that time, your stay at FS 9 wasn’t very long! What sticks in my head most some 50 years later, was playing handball AGAINST Captain/CHAPLAIN Dayen. Needless to say, foul languish on the court was taboo! Should you forget or accidently slip, you could rest assure that shortly there after there’d be a low fast hard one coming off the backwall and it would seldom miss it’s intended target and that wasn’t the front wall!! I may still have a few remnants on my behind from those “good old days” 🙂
My condolences tp the entire Dayen family and know that the lord has the services of a true son of GOD!
Oh my goodness Roger, my mom and I are in tears of laughter and joy from your post of stories and sweet words. Thank you so much for taking the time to honor my father.
Unfortunately during my career I was only able to meet Chief Dayen in person a couple of times. Long before meeting him though, I had already heard of his good reputation. Eventually I met and came to know his son Jim Jr.. Years later when I assumed the position of chaplain I came to realize I had immediately and automatically inherited a boat load of credibility – a credibility worked for, earned and rightfully given to previous chaplains. The trust, authority, respect and responsibility I was handed and that is granted all chaplains is a wonderful part of the legacy of Chaplain James Dayen. Thanks God. Thanks for giving James Dayen to the LAFD.
Thank you George. Thank you also for your service to our Lord and Savior. God bless you my friend.
Wow George, thank you so much. And thank you for your dedication and service to our Lord and Savior. Good bless you brother.
Wow George, thank you so much. And thank you for your dedication and service to our Lord and Savior. God bless you brother.
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Battalion Chief James Dayen, Jim was a Captain at HDTF 9 where I worked for him in the mid 70’s. as a Fireman. He epitomized the look, personality and leadership characterized of an LAFD Officer and Gentleman. He treated everyone with dignity and respect regardless of the rank or shift shift you were on.. We were very busy responding to all types of fires and emergencies during this time period (much like the members assigned to FS9 today) and you could rest assure that you were in good hands if Captain Dayen was your Leader that day.
He was an outstanding athlete and if my memory serves me right, he played professional Baseball and was a pitcher prior to coming on the LAFD? His athleticism and background made him a natural on the handball court.. If you didn’t like or play handball during this time, you probable didn’t last very long at FS9! What sticks in my mind some 50 years later, was playing handball against Captain/CHAPLAIN Dayen. As a member of the cloth, he didn’t have much tolerance against foul language on or off the court. Should you accidently forget or slip, you could be assured that shortly there after there’d be a low hard one coming off the back wall and it would seldom miss it’s intendent target and that wasn’t the front wall!!! I may still have a few remnants on my behind from those good old days!! 🙂
My condolences to the entire Dayen family and know that the LORD above is truly getting a SON of GOD!
Thank you Brother Bob. My family has such great memories attending church together with your beautiful family.
When I was asked to serve as chaplain in 1980, Jim was the senior chaplain and my boss. We had many fabulous conversations about the role of chaplains in our department. He was a great teacher and example. We worked on a number of memorial services together, and he was always a man of honor and principle, deeply committed to his faith. I look forward to breaking bread with him again at the Lord’s table.
My prayers are with his family. Rest In Peace Boss.
Fr. Chris
My husband Earl Mazzari always spoke so highly of Jim. I have met a lot of the family and my heart hurts for you.You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God bless him for doing The Lords work here on earth. Sending love to Rosie and the family
Condolences to the Dayan family. I had the privilege of working with the Dayens at 61s, 80s and 17s.