Obituary of James "Jim" Payne

James Jay Payne (March 13, 1924 - May 27, 2007) Mr. James Jay "Jim" Payne of Lodi and former resident of Turlock passed away Saturday May 27, 2007 in a Lodi hospital at the age of 83. Mr. Payne was born on March 13, 1924 in San Jose, California to James J. and Ethel Maude Payne. He was active in sports which led to his career selling wholesale sporting goods for many years before his retirement. He was a second lieutenant and pilot in the U.S. Marine Air Corps at the end of World War II. He was an avid hunter and fly fisherman and loved nature and the outdoors. He backpacked and later became an avid tennis player. Camping and exploring California back roads with his family became a priority. He earned the rank of Senior in the National Ski Patrol, and skied until age 74. Late in life his passion was golf which he shared with family. Jim, also known as"Dad", "The Chief", "Grandpa", or "Grandpa Chief", was a loving father and dedicated to his family. He taught honesty, hard work and gave the family a love of the outdoors. All five children and his descendents respected his strong values and principles. For the past fourteen years he has lived on a cherry ranch in Lodi with his son David Payne, (Susan) and grandson Miles Payne. He is also survived by oldest daughter Leslie Jay Payne Oksen, (Alan) of Oakdale and grandsons Ian and Andrew. Jim's oldest son is Randy Payne of Modesto, (Nancy) and grandchildren Kristi Victorino, Kim Toulou, and Kelly Gossett, with Kim?s children Kaitlyn and Kaleb. Jim also leaves daughter Barbara "Dede" Payne Baker, (Jack) of Ripon and children Kelly Baker and Tracy Grussing, Shane Falkenberg, Chad Falkenberg, and Rita Falkenberg and great grandchildren Andreuss and Naomi. His youngest daughter is Missy Payne Hutchman and (John), granddaughter Candi and her son Jeremiah Rossi and grandson Tyler Byington. Jim's oldest brother Robert Payne and wife Chicky of Chico survive him. He was preceded in death by his brother Richard Payne of Alabama. A memorial service will be held Friday June 1, 2007, 2:00pm at the Lodi Funeral Home, with Military Honors.