JAMES W. PAYNE, SR., 85, passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home on January 22, 2011.
He was born on January 18, 1926 in Curdsville, Ky. He was born at home and delivered by his great, great, great uncle Morgan Payne, and was the oldest of eleven children.
He worked for Emmert and Armour Packing companies and owned several grocery stores, including the Ormsby Supermarket on Ormsby Ave. Most of his career was spent as a truck driver. He drove for Kenosha Transport and Anderson Wood Products. He was the owner of Payne Trucking Company and was leased to Usher Transport.
Jim is preceded in death by his wife of 34 years, Wilma Jean Payne, parents, Carlton and Mary Ellen Donahue Payne, brothers, Larry, Gene, Carl, and Darrell, sisters, Shirley and Linda, son, Thomas Ray, granddaughter, Brianna, and grandson, Roy.
Jim is survived by four children, daughter, Sherry Smith (Jay); sons, Bobby Steepleton (Becky), James, Jr. (Linda) and David Payne; 15 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; sisters, Liz, Patty and Emma; and his brother, Leo. Two of his grandchildren held a special place in his heart, Conner (13) and Jessica (10). They spent many memory filled days with their papaw and helped to care for him during his last days. They will miss him very much!
Jim’s family would like to thank Hosparus, especially his nurse, Ketlin, for her support and care during this difficult time.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Highway with burial in Evergreen Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 2 – 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Memorial gifts may be made to Hosparus or the WHAS Crusade for Children.