Jim Hossein Dayani died peacefully on Friday, July 31, just days before his 83rd birthday. On the back end of his life, more than anything, he was a proud grandfather who enjoyed lifting his grandchildren up to touch the ceiling, taking them to the front door on trash day, and watching shows like Thomas the Tank Engine, Curious George, and Arthur. As the grandchildren grew older, he helped teach them how to make art, build things, and play checkers and chess.

An immensely talented man, Jim had special gifts in both the arts and sciences. He grew up in Tehran, Iran, as the middle of three brothers, and to a father who served in the air force and subsequently owned a successful tile manufacturing business. Jim declined an exclusive scholarship to study arts in Iran, and instead, like his older brother, Kim, set his sights on attending college in the United States.

Jim initially attended Vanderbilt University but ultimately graduated from Missouri State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He spent most of his professional career working in family businesses in the health-care sector. In 1978, he married Julie Palmer. They had two sons.

Known for his wit, sense of humor, and outgoing personality, Jim could often be the life of the party; however, he also sought calm and solitude by continuing to make art. At restaurants, he would often draw pictures, with crayons, on table napkins of his sons’ friends. One friend would later describe his drawing as “perfect,” and another friend’s parents framed their table napkin and placed it on full display in their living room. Jim also had impeccable handwriting, and whenever he would write to others in his native language, Farsi, those letters would often be displayed as well.

Additionally, Jim enjoyed taking long walks—it was not unusual for him to walk ten miles at a time—and much to the dismay of his children, who often preferred less onerous physical activity. Jim had a host of other talents, including juggling, card tricks, and self-educating himself in subjects ranging from computer code to German. He also was an absolute buzzsaw at the ping pong table.

Jim is survived by his former wife, Julie; his two sons, Nathan (Katie) and Cyrus (Michaela); his younger brother, John (Libby); and his three grandchildren, Theo, Louisa, and Arthur. He is preceded in death by his parents and his eldest brother, Kim. Further, he is survived by his nephew, Jonathan, and his family; his nieces, Kimberly and Melanie, and their respective families. He is also survived by countless members of his extended family, many of whom knew him as Jim or Uncle Jim.

In celebration of his life, a memorial service will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the clubhouse of Meadowbrook Park, 9101 Nall Avenue in Prairie Village, Kansas. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Kansas City Art Institute: https://kcai.edu/give/