On Feb. 24, 1943, the Lord's most dutiful angel was brought into this world by Jimmy Lee Payne and Virginia Neeb Payne. His name was James O. Payne, 79, a resident of The Colony, Texas. He was born in Coleman, Texas, and he grew up in Cross Plains, Texas, where he graduated from Cross Plains High School. After high school, he went to McMurry University where he got his degree in teaching. On March 4, 2022, he was called back to heaven to carry out the work of our heavenly Father.

He moved out to Wasco, Calif., where he started his teaching career. He met the love of his life, Edith Marie Hosman, and they got married on Nov. 2, 1968. After teaching for several years, they moved to Imperial, Texas, where he taught for seven years. Dad then got a job in Fort Stockton, Texas, where he taught middle school and high school.

He taught for over 20 years, and he loved teaching and making a difference in his students' lives. He ensured students took the teachings he instilled in them, from history to English, and applied them in this world. Being the head of the English department at Fort Stockton high school, he made sure students understood the literary brilliance of  "O Captain, O Captain," Lord of the Flies, and basic human decency for society on how to treat others. He loved his English lessons and was passionate about passing out tons of homework for the love of English.

After retiring from teaching, he focused on his grandkids. 

Living in Fort Stockton, he loved the small town where everyone knew everyone, and there was no stranger. When Kim and Zack would come down, he loved playing with them in the backyard or walking with them.

In 2007 dad had to have a kidney transplant. He was forever grateful to his sister Melissa Baughman for giving him that chance at a second life. During his recovery, he and mom lived with Kim and Zack, and he treasured their time together. After losing our mother, Jennifer Hailey and Landrey moved in with him, where they helped and took care of each other. 

Hailey and Landrey were a glimmer of hope for him during his most challenging time. His goal was to teach them so much in their lives. He would help them with homework and life lessons day in, day out. When Jennifer and the girls decided to move to the Dallas, Texas, area, he knew that he would be going with them. He did not like the Metroplex, but he would not leave his girls. 

Hailey and Landrey loved getting their papa to do things with them, from cooking to tik tok dances. He checked on how their day went every day, and then it was down to business with homework. The teaching side never left, and he worked hard with the girls. Even though the lessons were challenging, their bond never grew weak. They always wanted him to watch them play in their sports even when he felt terrible. Papa was strong willed, and still made it to their games on days he would not feel up to it. Moving to The Colony, he also was able to be closer to his other granddaughter, Annie. 

He was so happy that he could be a part of her life. He loved hearing her stories about horses and what she did in school. He was one of her most prominent music promoters whenever she sang, and she always knew she could have ice cream when she came over. His grandchildren made him a proud papa - he loved them so much. Win or lose, his grandchildren were his joy and pride.  

Dad was preceded in death his parents Jimmy Lee Payne and Virginia Neeb Payne; the love of his life, Edith M. Payne; sister Kathy Purvis; and brother Jerry Payne.