- Date Of Birth: June 26, 1933
- Date Of Death: October 1, 2018
- State: Illinois
James Elwin “Jim” Payne, 85, of O’Fallon, IL died courageously on Monday, October 1, 2018.
Jim believed in a life of service to his community and was active in many organizations throughout his adult life with a few being, The O’Fallon Sportsmen’s Club, The O’Fallon Boosters, and The O’Fallon Jaycees, Little League Coach, and the O’Fallon District 90 School Board. He also enjoyed being a part of First Baptist Church O’Fallon’s congregation and choir and was known for his deep bass voice singing “Passing the Faith Along”. Jim was a hero in many ways. At the age of 9, he received news of his father’s disappearance in the 2nd World War. As a young man, he followed in his father’s footsteps and enlisted in the United States Army. After leaving the Army he pursued 2 different careers; one as a chemist at Monsanto for 25 years and one as a Physical Therapy Assistant after “retirement”. Throughout his lifetime he was active as a Referee at High School Football games, even officiating a few of the state championship games. After retiring from being a referee, he was still active as a member of the chain gang marking downs on the field at both high school and college football games. At the age of 80, he was knocked down by a play that went out of bounds at a college football game and he lost his ability to walk. Jim’s courage continued as he battled cancer while now being confined to a wheelchair. For all the reasons listed above (and many more), that’s why Jim Payne is being remembered as our hero. He was often known to say, “when it’s too tough for everyone else, it’s just right for me!”
Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Janet Payne, as well as his two daughters, Debbie (Mike) Ginzel and Diane (Tony) Miller. “PawPaw” is also survived by four grandchildren (also known as his “buddies”), Sarah Beth Bench, Reid Ginzel, Derek Miller, and Karlee Turcios, as well as three great-grandchildren, Noah Bench, Cooper Bench, and Olivia Ginzel.
Jim was born in East St. Louis, Illinois on Monday, June 26, 1933, to his parents who preceded him in death, Joshua Britton Payne, Lucille Payne Cox, and Oscar Cox.
