Obituary of James Walter Payne

Born in Battle Creek, Michigan September 10, 1933. He left home at age 18 and worked his way west, finally settling in California while working with Western Electric. He met Patricia I Wright who later would become his wife. Jim enjoyed sailing, shooting, hunting, waterskiing, outdoors and rustic living. In 1985 he and his family moved aboard a 43 foot cutter rig sailboat, The Bountiful. Jim and Patti imported the yacht from Formosa of Taiwan. It was Jim’s life dream to sail around the world. He and Patti managed to do that for 23 years, seeing all of the Western Hemisphere. Jim and Patti retired from the yachting life and settled in a home they built in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Jim touched many people and had the ability to always see the good in people. He was always willing to give a helping hand. He had technical, mechanical and electrical skills, and was in high demand and very helpful in these trades. He gave of him self freely. Jim was a great example to his family and their HERO! Jim had many wonderful experiences in his lifetime of course there was the minor tragedies every now and then but he always overcame. He was a strong man both physically and emotionally. He loved his family very much. He made sacrifices for them so they could thrive. Jim is survived by his three children James, Pam and Sean as well as grandkids and great grandkids. The rabbits, hummingbirds and quail of Lake Havasu City will miss their daily meals that Jim provided on the back patio. Jim returned to his wife in heaven June 24, 2022.