James Harper Payne, known to most as Jimbo or Jim, passed away Saturday, surrounded by loved ones after a long fight against paralysis-related health complications. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Jean and Joe Payne, Mary Jennings, Malinda Moore, Vera Jennings, and beloved dog Jasmine, whose remains will be laid to rest with him.
Jim was blessed with an abundance of friends. He had many passions in life such as beach trips, snorkeling, scuba diving, go-cart racing, welding, playing the drums in a band with lifelong friends, attending any football game his son-in-law coached, and watching the Crimson Tide play, just to name a few.
Jim was a graduate of the University of Alabama in Huntsville, earned his pilot’s license, and worked as a mechanical engineer for many years in Mobile and Huntsville, AL.
Jim is survived by his stepdaughter, affectionately nicknamed “Prisspot”, Jennifer Wilburn (Charlie); brothers, Joe Payne, Jr. (Alex), Kelly Payne, Robert Payne (Kim); sister, Elizabeth Tucker (Lee); ex-wife and friend, Donna Payne; nieces, Sarah Wilkins, Erin Dye (Clint), Emily McCay; nephews, Taylor Payne, Michael Payne, Mac Tucker, Will Tucker, Matt Wilkins, Heath Ross, and Ian Ross; and loyal companion dog, Shelby.
Special thanks to Jimbo’s caregivers Maranda Flynt, Misty Burger, Courtney Allen, Paula Dees, Rochelle Nard, Kristen Bailey, nurses, Cathy Herndon, Jennifer Jaeger, Michelle Youngblood, Dr. Todd Broome and Dr. William Alison, along with countless others for their loving and dedicated care.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 21 at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. There will be a Celebration of Jim’s life at 2 pm Wednesday, February 22, at First United Methodist Church’s Wesley Worship Center, with Rev. Coy Hallmark officiating. In honor of Jimbo’s love of the beach, we invite you to wear your favorite Hawaiian shirt or bright summer colors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Reeve Foundation Team LeGrand, searching for a cure for paralysis at teamlegrand.org or to The Shepherd Center Atlanta at give.shepherd.org.
