James Edward Payne

Chief Warrant Officer (CWO2) James Edward Payne, United States Army (Ret.), passed peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 29, at the age of 93. 

Born on January 26, 1932, in Springboro, Pennsylvania, Jim was raised on a small family farm along with his six siblings. He joined the Army at his first opportunity and was sent to Fort Knox Kentucky for basic training. Upon completion of advanced training as an automotive maintenance technician, he was assigned to the 18th Infantry Battalion in Lenggries and Aschaffenburg Germany. He then returned stateside to join the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley Kansas. His next set of orders brought him to the 8th Infantry Division at Fort Carson Colorado. He next returned to Germany and to the 8th Infantry Division at Goeppingen and Bad Kreuznach, Germany. At the conclusion of his second tour in Germany, he was reassigned to Garrison Company Sandia Army Base in Albuquerque New Mexico. In the ensuing years that followed, Jim served in South Korea with the 1st Calvary, in Germany with the 1st of the 79th, at Fort Benning Georgia with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade, and in Vietnam with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade, 2nd Battalion 18th Infantry Division and as Special Advisor in the Mekong Delta. In total, Jim’s military career spanned more than two decades during which he earned the respect and admiration of his peers and superiors alike. His military awards include three Bronze Stars for meritorious service in a combat zone, as well as three Army Commendation medals and numerous individual, unit and campaign ribbons. 

Following his retirement from the Army in 1971, he and his wife Johanna made their home in Albuquerque, where they became founding members of the Edelweiss am Rio Grande German American Club. Through their involvement, they sought to preserve and share authentic German culture, cuisine, music, and dance with their adopted community. Jim served multiple terms on the club’s governing board and contributed to numerous special committees. He and Johanna were also honored as Prince and Princess during the club’s annual Fasching celebration, a cherished tradition akin to Mardi Gras.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Johanna Payne. He is survived by his three daughters, Patricia Payne, Cindy (Payne) Fallin and her husband Jim Fallin, and Sandra Payne and her husband Randy Jordan. He is also survived by his sister, Darlene (Payne) Parks , the sole remaining sibling of six, one brother and five sisters.

Jim’s legacy of service, strength, and kindness will be forever remembered by those whose lives he touched. His unwavering dedication to family, community, and country leaves an enduring impact that will not be forgotten.

Celebration of Life
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Daniels Funeral Services - Carlisle Chapel 
3113 Carlisle Blvd NE 
Albuquerque, NM 87110
Pastor Bill Atwell, Officiant 

A Burial Ceremony with full military honors will take place at the Santa Fe Veteran's National Cemetery in New Mexico March of 2025.