James Wilson Payne passed away March 28, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his family.

James Wilson Payne

James was born Apri 16, 1932 in Bessville, Missouri, son of Orla and Mary Estella Butler Payne.

James married Shirley Faye Belote on November 26, 1954 in Stafford, Arizona. They had just celebrated 70 years of marriage.

James retired from GM Truck and Coach in Pontiac, Michigan. He previously lived in Rector and Piggott, Arkansas, Drayton Plains, Roscommon and East Lansing, Michigan.

James served in the Army, he finished his basic training in Louisiana, shipped over to Japan and then to the Korean War. James loved to bass fish and golf. He loved his annual fishing trip to Saginaw Bay with his best buddy.

He is survived by his wife Shirley; his daughters: Pamela (Denny) Duprest of East Lansing Michigan and Deborah (Jeff) Elliott of Holly, Michigan; five grandchildren: Derek (Allie) Duprest, Abby Duprest (Don) Dee, Nicole Nolin, Shavna Elliott (DJ Carns) and James Elliott and nine great grandchildren. His first great-great granddaughter will arrive in July.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Leonard, his daughter Cheryl McFerrin and his great grandson Colton James Carns.

A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 5 at Pentecostals of East Lansing in East Lansing, Michigan.

Cremation has taken place and family will inter his ashes at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan at a later date.