SFC James Edward Payne, Jr., 71, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2020 in the Bower’s Hospice House in Beckley, WV.
James was born May 17, 1949 in Welch, WV, a son of the late James Edward Sr. and Juanita Falin Payne of Bradshaw, WV.  It was there he was raised and attended the local schools. Bradshaw Elementary, Bradshaw Jr. High and then graduated from Iaeger High School in 1968.  James received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Troy State University; he majored in Social Science with a minor in both Criminal Justice and Military Science. 
In January 1972 he started his career by joining the United States Army; servicing both in the United States and overseas for 23 ½ years.  During Desert Storm James served as a medic.  He was stationed in several different states and countries during his career including Miami FL, Germany, Seattle WA, Honolulu HI, Boston MA, Seoul Korea, Fort Benning GA, and Tokyo Japan. In July 1995 James retired from the United States Army.  During his military service he received these military awards; Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, Army Commendation Medal, seven Good Conduct Medals, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Bronze Service Star, Southwest Asia Kuwait Liberation Medal, three Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbons and the M16A1 Rifle Expert Badge. James enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and his hobbies included anything outdoors, all sports, camping, Nascar, traveling, and reading. 
James was preceded in death by his parents, James Edward Sr. and Juanita Payne.
Survivors include  one sister, Lisa Lester and husband Mark of Bradshaw; two brothers, Randy Payne of Richmond and Bob Payne and wife Peggy of Welch; nieces and nephews, Nicholas Lester of Bradshaw, Ed Payne of Charleston, Terri Dodrill and husband Jim of Hurricane, JoAnna Huffman and Chris Mayhew of Pineville; great nieces and nephews, Kyle Robson, Blasé, Steele, and Tyler Payne and Tanner and Taylor Huffman; special caretakers, Lori Payne, Debbie Lester, K.C. Payne and Michelle Lester; and special friends, James and Anthony Scyphers, James Wimmer, Frank Roop, Michael Ray, and Ben Stevenson.  
Funeral services will be conducted Monday, June 15, 2020 at 11 o’clock with Reverend Roger Hale Jr. officiating at the Bradshaw United Methodist Church.  Burial will follow in the Payne Cemetery at Jolo.  Serving as pallbearers will be Nick Lester, Ed, Blasé and Steele Payne, Kyle Robson, Lewis and Jacob Sweeney, James and Anthony Scyphers.   
Friends may visit with the family Sunday evening, June 14, 2020 after 6 p.m. at the Bradshaw United Methodist Church.
Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger, WV, is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.fanningfuneralhomes.com