Obituary of James R. Payne

James R. "Bird" Payne, 57, of Niles passed away suddenly, but of natural causes, on Wednesday, November 19, 2014, at Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph, Michigan. He was born on February 16, 1957 in Martin, Michigan and raised by his mother Elizabeth Ann (Lee) Clark. James graduated from Martin High School and soon after joined the U.S. Navy, where he served his country proudly during the Vietnam War. After many years of service, James received his honorable discharge. He worked as a fabricator and welder for Fab-N-Weld Sheetmetal in Berrien Springs. He also enjoyed his work with the APA Pool League. James was so loyal to employers; many would say he had an addiction to work. He also loved riding his Harley with his friends, bowling, golfing, shooting pool, playing video games, spending time with family and friends and weekend breakfast with Doc and Kay. He also liked quiet time, sitting in a chair with a Louie L'Amour book. In 1982 James married Pamela Wery and to that union a son Justin was born. Although the marriage ended a few years later, the two of them remained lifelong friends. Sometime later, James married Susan Harris and helped raise her daughter's as if they were his own. He was preceded in death by his mother Elizabeth A. Clark, a brother Joe Rocha and a son Travis Thompson. James is survived by his son Justin Payne (Ellen VanKirk) of Niles, three daughters; Nikki Tittle-Chapman of St. Joe, Jesika Chester of Niles and Mindy Templeton-Ruiz of Elkhart, three nieces Crystal, Elizabeth and Heather Rocha, and a grandfather to Gillian, Breeanna and Travis, as well as countless friends. A time of visitation to celebrate James' life will be held on Sunday, November 30th from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at Brown Funeral Home. Full military honors will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan on Monday, December 1st, 2014 at 10:30am. Memorial contributions may be made in James' memory to Wounded Warrior Project, Disabled American Veterans or to the American Diabetes Association.