SFC James Payne, United States Army (Ret.)

James Payne was born on September 5, 1930 in Adona, Arkansas and passed away on March 10, 2010, at the age of 79, at Georgetown, Texas.

James proudly served his country in the United States Army, serving in Korea and Vietnam, retiring with the rank of Sergeant First Class.  His military decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, two awards of the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

In retirement he obtained an Associates Degree from Austin Community College and attended St. Edward’s University.  He was a Christian in faith and practice.  He enjoyed bowling in league bowling.  The last days of his life were under the care and support of Hospice Austin, for which his family is thankful.

On March 15, 2010, Patriot Guard Riders from the Austin and Centex regions assembled at the Ramsey Funeral Home in Georgetown to honor yet another fallen veteran.  Funeral services were held at high noon.  The Riders formed lines of American Flags at the entrances to the funeral home to welcome the many arriving family and dear friends.

After the services, the Riders rode in the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen for final prayers and the rendering of full military honors.

At the cemetery the family and friends were, again, welcomed by lines of American flags.  As the final services were held, the Riders formed a line of flags around two sides of the committal shelter.

Full military honors were rendered by an Army Honor Guard.  A rifle detail fired three volleys of fire, representing Honor, Duty and Country.  Taps was played by an Army bugler.  The flag that had covered the casket was folded into a tight triangle by the honor guard and presented to his  wife, Alta, on  behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army.

SFC James Payne was then laid to rest, in his Army uniform, on the grassy upper plain of the cemetery.  The American flag flew at half-staff, in his honor, on the hill above.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, a daughter, three sons, 9 grandchildren, 4 brothers, 2 sisters and numerous other family and friends.

 Day is done, gone the sun
From the lake, from the hill,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh

Thanks and praise for our days
Neath the sun, neath the stars,
Neath the sky.
As we go, this we know, God is nigh.

With thanks to the Ramsey Funeral Home for biographical information.