Mr. Payne James Edward Payne

      If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be James Edward Payne. He was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to him because he was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around him had whatever they needed. Jim was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what he meant.

      Jim was born at home at his Water Street house in Harbour Grace, Newfoundland. He was the son of Edward and Frances Payne. Jim was also raised in Harbour Grace, Newfoundland. During his childhood he learned to be reliable and respectful. Jim was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. He found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Jim's personality throughout his life.

      Though Jim was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with his family, he was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Jim was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Jim worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Jim was raised with seven siblings. He had five sisters and two brothers; May, Phyllis, Donald, John, Rosalind, Shirley and Susan. Jim and his siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      As someone who reveled in the sheer joy of his experiences, Jim was always enthusiastic about new adventures. Although he had an exacting nature, Jim was always tactful. One thing Jim will certainly be remembered for is that, when he got up in the mornings, he was ready and raring to go. As a young boy, Jim had a number of interests. He was an active member of his church, always involved in the choir and being an altar boy.

      Jim was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call his sentimental and a romantic at heart. His kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around his. Jim cared for what others thought and carried that into his marriage. On June 21, 1965 Jim married Clara Burton at City Hall in Toronto, Ontario. Compassionate and devoted, Jim worked hard to make his new life partner happy.

      Harmony was important to Jim and he made every effort to maintain it with his family. Jim was blessed with a daughter, Wendy. They were also blessed with two grandsons, Vincent and James. Jim was always conscious of the feelings others had. He was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Jim was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. His secret of success in this area was simple: Jim would listen before he would act.

      Taking his work seriously came naturally to Jim, and he expected the same from those around him. Jim was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. He was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in his good communication skills. Jim was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Jim handled well. He could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” His primary occupation was as a steel worker. He was employed for 30 years by Weststeel Rosco. He brought harmony to his work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for his colleagues.

      A methodical man, Jim enjoyed spending time working on his various hobbies. He had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that he could have something to show for his efforts. His favorite pursuits were collecting sports cards, comic books and doing woodworking.

      Jim was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth his best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Jim was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Jim also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite teams whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were Hockey and Baseball.

      Jim was the kind of person who would readily move into action in order to help others. He was appreciated and respected. He could find value in the opinions of others and was passionate about his own values and beliefs. Politically, Jim was Progressive Conservative.

     His high moral standards and traditional values served Jim well with his faith. Religion and faith were very important to him. He was a member of St. Paul's Anglican Church for his whole life. During that time, he was always volunteering and helping out with church activities and functions. He was well respected because he was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner he could.

      Not only did Jim enjoy traveling, but he also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. He was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. He rarely tired of going back and revisiting his favorite places. Favorite vacations included trips back to Newfoundland.

      Jim was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of his favorites was Mandy a Cocker Spaniel and another was his daughter's dog, Sparky a Jack Russell. Mandy was a best friend for Jim for 18 years.

      Since it was easy for Jim to meet and get to know new people, he quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once he met those new friends, he loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since he was practical and cost effective, Jim was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1992. In retirement, he found new pleasure in learning about computers, and teaching himself how to play the piano and the guitar, as well as, singing and enjoying classical music. Even in retirement, Jim stayed in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered him.

      Jim passed away on December 7, 2008 at his home in Toronto, Ontario. Jim had a sudden heart attack. He is survived by his wife Clara, his daughter Wendy and her husband Emanuele, his grandsons Vincent and James; as well as, his sisters May, Phyllis and his brother John. Services were held at Giffen-Mack 'Danforth' Funeral Home and Cremation Centre.

      Jim was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever he said something, he meant it. Jim was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. He was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. He was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember him for most is the fact that he was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life he touched will miss James Edward Payne.

Thoughts of Jim

“We are all teachers of the next generation and all whose life we come in touch with”. Jim was definitely that for his wife, daughter, grandson, friends and neighbours.

Jim was a friend and neighbour for 27 years. One soon came to realize that he was much more; he was trustworthy, thoughtful, and dependable, a man of many talents. He successfully dabbled in many creative pass times, carpentry, renovations and a collector of hockey cards, to name a few. He was an avid collector and lover of old western movies. In recent years, Jim bought himself a piano, which took him back to his childhood days… why you ask… because he realized he hadn’t quite mastered this particular talent. Though sitting through some of his renditions were painful… I always gave an encouraging smile and nodded when appropriate… because this too was a childhood fantasy of mine. HE WILL BE MISSED, his warm laughter,, his engaging smile, his BIG HEART… we will miss his presence… and we know he’s smiling down on us right now…

Remember this…

“ You can keep someone with you, if you keep their memories in your heart ”… gone, but not forgotten. Forever loved, that is Jim.