James Valentine Payne, 84, passed away in Lewisville, TX on February 5, 2014. James was born in Corinth, TX on February 14, 1929 the son of George H. Payne and Beulah Yancey Payne. James attended schools in Corinth and was a long time member of the Cooper Creek Baptist Church. He is preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Hazel Garrison Payne, who passed away on June 6, 2009. James retired as a maintenance mechanic for General Dynamics. James is survived by one son; Richard Edwards of Rusk, TX; seven grandchildren and several great grandchildren. A graveside service was be held on Saturday 2:00p.m. February 8, 2014 in the Swisher Cemetery in Corinth, TX.