James E Payne 61 of Ithaca New York passed unexpectedly on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at his home. He was

Born February 26, 1962 in Owassa, Alabama, he was the son of the late Willie And Ruby Mitchell Payne.

James had been employed at Cornell University in the food service

department and later at Kentucky Fried Chicken. He was a member of Bethlehem Church of Jesus Christ in Ithaca where he often put his culinary touches to the church functions and their fund raising barbecues. He was one to treat everyone fairly and had a smile for those he met.

He is survived by his siblings Larry Payne, Gary Payne, Tony Payne, Terry Maxwell, Janette Cirulli, Brenda Payne, Mary Louise Presley, Sharon Payne and 2 special brothers

Fred Sample and Kevin Weaver also many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents he was predeceased by his siblings Lacretia, Janice, Terry, Jerry, Billie, Tyrone, and Curtis.

James will be buried in the Frear memorial park at the convenience of the family.