James Lester "Jamie" Payne, Jr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of James Lester Payne Jr., of Pleasureville, Kentucky. Jamie died unexpectedly, at home, of natural causes. Jamie was 57 years old.

Jamie was born on March 6, 1968, to Nancy Cubbage Payne and James Lester Payne, Sr. in Lexington, Kentucky. Jamie was a decorated high school athlete in football, basketball and baseball. After graduating from Owen County High School in 1986, he attended Snead State Community College in Boaz, Alabama on a basketball scholarship. He then transferred, and played at Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky. During his college years he developed lifelong friendships with his beloved teammates.

During his youth Jamie was a fixture at Payne Chevrolet and traveled with his father regularly, learning the family business. He was blessed to be able to view Kentucky basketball from behind the scenes, and it was always one of his greatest loves. He also loved attending many types of sporting events including The Kentucky Derby, The Master’s, and the SEC basketball tournament. Even more, he loved making other people’s dreams come true (with your morning paper) and did so on a regular basis.

Jamie was an entrepreneur, and his business ventures primarily included automobile and sporting event ticket sales. He owned and operated Ticket Time ticket sales. In his spare time, he loved nothing more than enjoying a good meal with true friends, walking on the beach at sunset, or taking in the magnificent view from the 18th hole at Pebble Beach.

Jamie is survived by his aunt Shirley Wilhoite of Frankfort, uncle Maurice (Nancy) Payne of Louisville, sister Lisa Payne, of Louisville, sister Mary Palmer, of Lexington, nephew Luke Palmer of Lexington, cousins Vicki Weeks and Melinda Wood. He was preceded in death by his parents Nancy Cubbage Payne and James Lester Payne, Sr., his maternal grandparents Evelyn and Jim Cubbage, and his paternal grandparents Lester B and Josephine (Mamaw) Payne. He is also remembered by numerous genuine friends who loved him like a brother.

Good night little P…