A DEATH
HAS OCCURRED
James Earl Payne, 71, of Cleves, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospital Western Ridge.
He was born on December 8, 1954, the son of the late Earl V. Payne and Dorothy M. (McGee) Payne.
James had a lifelong love of cars and was known for his ability to fix just about anything with an engine. Whether working under the hood or helping someone diagnose a problem, he took pride in his mechanical skills and knowledge. He was a man who liked doing things his own way and was confident in his opinions, especially when it came to the things he knew best.
James is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Beverly; his children, Kimberly Payne, Jamie Payne (Ben), Kara Payne, Gregory Payne, Mariah, and Xavier; eleven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Donna Colyer as well as his Uncle Ronnie Johnson, along with numerous extended family members and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two sisters, Earline and Shirley, and his brother Gregory Ray.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday February 28, 2026, in the Arlington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, where funeral services will follow at 10 a.m. Entombment will be in Arlington Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.
9 – 10 am Saturday Feb 28, 2026
The Arlington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home
10 am. Saturday February 28, 2026
The Arlington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home
11 am Saturday February 28, 2026
The Arlington Memorial Gardens
“Thinking of you today daddy. I love and miss you so much..-Joebob”
03/15/2026
“I’m sorry to hear the loss of James. My thought and prayers are with you and your family during this time. ❤️🙏🏻”
03/01/2026
“My condolences 💜🙏💜prayers are with your family 💜💜💜”
02/27/2026
“Although I’ve never met you, I’ve heard great things about you, my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Go to God with grace.”
02/25/2026
“James and I were raised together . James was always there for me. He shared his love of racing with me. We had so many experiences growing up. What little I know about fixing a vehicle James showed me. I will miss him so. RIP my friend.”
02/23/2026
“He was a wonderful bright soul and had advice for about every little thing, He will be missed and honored. -Greg & Brookie”
02/21/2026
“james was a very friendly likeable person he will be missed by his family and his friends sending prayers to bev and rest of his family”
02/20/2026
“So sorry Bev praying for all REST IN PEACE JAMES 🙏”
02/19/2026
“Bevy. I am so sorry to learn of your loss. I never met him but I know he was a good man because of you love for him and I trust your judgement. Please know my heart is with you and let your memories bring you much comfort.”
02/19/2026
“James you will be greatly missed by everyone. Remembering fun times at Phil and Donnas in KY. during the summer when you all visited. Good memories! R.I.P.”
02/19/2026
“Such a great friend you were to me when we worked together…Always there for me whenever I needed anything…Haven’t seen you for a great while but I will be seeing you one last time Buddy…I know you will be missed tremendously by so many…Thank you for all the great times and memories Brother…”
02/19/2026
“I love you, pawpaw❤️”
02/19/2026
“I hope you know how much i loved you! No matter the circumstances you were my Dad! I want you to rest in peace! You didn’t get much down here! Kimberly”
02/19/2026
“I love you daddy…. I miss you so much”
02/19/2026
“Rsvp”
02/19/2026
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