James Collie Payne

James Collie Payne, 89, of Rustburg, Virginia, was taken away from his loved ones suddenly and tragically, on Friday, August 3, 2012. As his eyes closed in death here they opened in heaven! Never has there been a man with such a kind and generous heart, who always saw the good in people and went out of his way to make sure that he did all in his power to help anyone, whatever the need.

James Payne, was known affectionately as \"Papa Jim\" to many, and referred to himself as \"the godfather\" of the Payne family. He was preceded in death by Pat, his loving wife of 48 years in 2008, as well as his 3 older sisters, Vera, Verneace and Catherine. We know that there is a rejoicing in heaven second only to the return of Christ, as Dad and his parents and sisters all shared a loving, personal, relationship with Christ. And now they are sharing eternity together. His life story here may be over, but the never ending story for him has just begun. It is the knowledge that we WILL see him again that has given us such a peace and comfort.

Family members who are left to continue carrying on his legacy include his children- sons, Keith Payne and wife Kim; Steven Myers and wife Diane; daughter Tamara Spinner; grandchildren- Jamie C. Priest, John Ferguson, Joey Sandvig, Lauren Myers, Kristen Myers, Eric Franklin and Evan Myers. James is also survived by his two nephews, Charles A. Price, Jr. and Eric Turpin as well as a loving niece, Cynthia Price. His caregiver for the past 3 years, Debbie Smallwood, was a special friend, and the family thanks her for her care and love.

James did not leave this life a moment before his ordained time as we are told in Job 14:5:  

"You have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer. "So while we mourn our loss, we also find comfort in knowing that God called him home at his appointed time. And not a moment sooner.\"

Dad never met a person with a need that he didn\"™t try to help, often knowing that he would never be repaid. His heart knew no boundaries. Family meant the world to James, and his home, both inside and out, reflects his efforts to make sure that family would always have a place of beauty and comfort to come and enjoy.

James spent his entire life creating. He began laying bricks in New Jersey at the age of 13, and from there his skills and determination snowballed, allowing him to become one of the more prominent contractors in New Jersey, doing major work for Princeton University as well as IBM and AT&T. Whether it was constructing educational facilities, churches, medical offices, or woodworking\"¦he stayed busy until his health required him to retire in 2006, but he still had an active role, in Payne Construction Company, the business he started in 1971. Jim and Pat were longtime members of Rustburg Presbyterian Church where they both had served as Elders.

There just are not enough words to convey the heart of James Payne. But his love and concern for everyone that God allowed to cross his path can be measured by the many, many lives he not only touched, but changed. Chances are you have either been a recipient of his generosity or you know someone else who was.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 12, 2012 at Heritage Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Gerald Kroll officiating. The family will receive friends at the church two hours prior to the funeral.

The family is asking that you do not mourn his death, but rather celebrate this relocation to heaven, by making donations to the Central Virginia Computer Crimes Task Force, C/O Campbell County Sheriff\"™s Office, P. O. Box 280, Rustburg, VA 24588 or Heritage Baptist Church Building Fund, 219 Breezewood Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24502.

The family would also like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated men and women serving in the Campbell County Sheriff\"™s department who worked around the clock the past several days. Your tireless efforts are so very much appreciated.