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James Carter Payne, age 58, of Kalamazoo passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on Friday, April 24, 2020.
Jim was a simple man who loved to rock his crocs and spend time with his family. He enjoyed playing guitar, drinking coffee and playing card games. He took great pride in his family ancestry and researching his roots. He was known by many as Papa or Pops.
He was born July 11, 1961, in Huntsville, Alabama, to the late Carter Alvan and Julia (Gibson) Payne. Jim married Diana Keifer on July 11, 1980, in Kalamazoo. He graduated from Comstock High School as Jim Gibson.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 40 years, Diana Payne 6 children: Luke Joseph (Wendy) Ormanovich, Nanette (Scott) Hatfield, Brian (Sharon) Ormanovich, James (Sara) Payne II, Thomas (Barb) Payne, and Brandon (Jamie) Payne; 22 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and three new great grand babies on the way. He is further survived by his in laws, Virgil (Elaine) Keifer; sister-in-law, Linda McNett; brothers-in-law, David (Tina) Keifer and Ronald Keifer; and many nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Carter and Julia (Gibson) Payne; siblings, Joan, Theresa, and Linda; nephew, Matt; and Aunt, Dora Gibson (Henry).
He will be loved and missed very much by his family, friends and faithful companion Edgar.
Per Jim’s wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be planned and announced later.
To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Jim’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit www. MichiganCremation.com
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I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I have some good memories of him when I was a teen, He was always smiling.
Pops was a wonderful man ….very smart and caring man!! Sucks to see and hear this ..just to say how quick it can happen in a blink of eye …i loved that man with a lot great times and happiness and laughs ..he was a father to me more than my own …damn it pops I’m gonna miss you
Diane and family, so sorry for your loss.
I will always miss you my friend
I am so very sorry for your loss!! Jim and I were friends as teens as attended the same small church and my parents were close friends with Dot and AJ. So many memories and so much laughter shared! Today in preparing for a move I came across some old letters and one was from Jim thanking me for sending a note/card when his mom passed. I have often tried to find him online to reconnect but was not successful until tonight when I saw the obituary. Wow what a shock. Jim was always a lot of fun and in his letter he wrote all about his wife and children and that he was a grandpa! He was so very proud and wanted our families to meet. Sending our love, sympathy and prayers.