James Melvin Payne

of North Little Rock, AR

February 19, 1939 - January 16, 2024

James Melvin Payne, age 84 of North Little Rock, Arkansas passed from this life on Tuesday, January 16th, 2024, at the John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans' Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born in Beebe, Arkansas on February 19th, 1939, to James Arthur Payne and Charlotte Inze Sifford Payne.

James, fondly known as Jim, held many titles in his life from photographer, volunteer firefighter, trucker, security guard, to son, brother, husband, and father. Throughout his life he cherished his family. He was not a man of many words or outward expressions of affection with a gruff exterior that covered a soft and very sentimental heart. James served in the United States Army, entering in service just a few months shy of his High School graduation. He served two terms when his dream of a military career was cut short by a near fatal accident that left him partially paralyzed. Despite the setbacks he incurred, with his pure grit, determination, and can-do spirit he overcame every physical obstacle with strength and family support to go on to lead a successful life. He taught that even our most profound losses are survivable, that it is what we do with that loss, our ability to transform it into a positive event, that is one of his greatest lessons. In his younger years he studied mechanical drafting, photography, journalism, screen printing, was on the yearbook staff, and had a love for music, playing drums in the High School band at Ole Main High in North Little Rock, Arkansas. He attended the University of Central Arkansas for a short time, opting to cut his education short for a career opportunity. James enjoyed watching football, keeping up with current events and politics, coin collecting, listening to country music, and most of all visiting with family. In the final weeks before his passing basked in the glow of making peace with the Lord, bringing joy and much laughter to his family and caregivers, and spending precious time in person or in phone conversations with those he loved the most. Although our earthly journey together has bid us to part, you are with us, forever and always in our hearts.

Survivors include his daughters, Sandra Babb (Dennis) of Conway; Jennifer Shadwick (Shawn) of Sherwood; Step-children, Tracy Evans (John) of Little Rock, Chris Dochterman (Lori) of Harve, Montana; Grandchildren, David Babb (Melissa) and Kelli Crain (Erik) both of Conway, Samantha Rensel of Maumelle, Daniel Grandon III of Jacksonville; Step Grandchildren, Mathew Shadwick of North Little Rock, Brandon Docterman (Lily) of Alexander, Travis Evans and Danielle Sutton both of Little Rock, Dillan Evans of Lakewood, New Jersey, Breanna Bryant (Warren) of Little Rock, Kira Patton (Taylen) of Hot Springs, Christina Docterman Knightdale of North Carolina; 15 Greatgrandchildren; and beloved nieces, Heather Fry (Brent) of Francis, Utah and Jaime Stephens (Jonathan) of North Hollywood, California; Bonus Children, Peggy Sue Hickman of Sherwood, Elizabeth Arnold (Mel) of Corning, and Will Green (Laurie) of Wooster. James is preceded in death by his wife, Pamela Sue Payne; his parents, James Arthur Payne and Charlotte Inez Payne Russell; and his sister, Nancy Susan Russell Gunnar.

A memorial service for James will be held at 10:00am on Monday, February 19th, 2024, in the chapel of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Arkansas with Pastor George Yarberry officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date.

Sign Guestbook