James E Payne

James Edward Payne aka “Wink” “Winkle” etc. was the first born of Charles Virginia and James Miller Payne born on a cold day March 21, 1939, a few days before his mother’s birthday on March 23rd. He attended Indianapolis Public schools and was baptized at Emmanuel Baptist Church by Rev. Hatcher. As a teenager he loved fishing, cowboy movies and wrestling.He began working adult jobs at an early age to help contribute financially to the happiness and welfare of his 7 younger siblings. After he reached adulthood he was a very sociable man around town. He was the family Bar-be-que grill master and his meat was always so tender because he also was a good cook. He passed on his grilling skills to his nephews, Dax and Kenny who were also his domino and card playing buddies. After the death of his beloved mother he disconnected with his family. For 16 years the family prayed for his return and God answered the family prayers. When he was reunited with his siblings and family members he was not physically well but the family embraced and loved him back to better health. He was a story teller and he often talked about his travels and wilderness camping experiences while he was gone. He was a fisherman and he caught and ate everything in the water including snakes, turtles etc. He was also a hunter and of course he encountered bears, deer and other wildlife that he also cooked and ate. Winkle was a no nonsense type of man and he would tell you what he thought and he wouldn’t apologize but you couldn’t stay mad at him. In his senior years he dealt with Covid 2 times, fought major illness and mobility problems and he rarely complained. He told everyone he met that he had the best sisters Julia, Virginia, Lillian and Linette in addition to many family members who did all they could to love and support him. Winkle was a proud man that fought to stay strong and independent as long as he could but when he began talking about missing his mother and other siblings the time for the fisherman and hunter departure was imminent. As a family we understand that he may have left us physically but we celebrate his life and the memories we have will live on in our hearts. He has reunited with his beloved mother and family members and he is free!!!! He leaves to mourn his remaining siblings Virginia Patton, Lillian Payne, Linette Payne- Wilson, nephews, nieces, cousins and a host of other family members and friends.

James E Payne

March 21, 1939 - May 24, 2025