Jason Paul Payne

An Unbelievable Story That Must Be Told

On the day Jason went to heaven, Debbie had been calling his phone over and over. Jason always promised—and usually remembered—to call her once he had safely arrived wherever he was going. But that trip, no call came. Concerned, Debbie kept trying to reach him.

She had stepped outside into her backyard, watering her many potted plants, when something extraordinary happened. At what she would later learn was the moment Jason passed, a brilliant white dove descended and landed on a tree limb just above her head. Its feathers were so pure, so radiant, that she could hardly bear to look at it. The dove remained there for hours, watching her, cooing softly as if speaking to her. Debbie felt both awe and strangeness in its presence, unaware of the timing’s significance—until later, when she learned it coincided almost exactly with Jason’s accident.

The next day, grief overwhelmed her. Alone in the quiet of her home, she wept and cried out to Jason, demanding to know how he could leave her like this. Her sorrow poured into the air as she stood by the living room window, framed with grapevines she had woven across the front of the house, with green ivy growing along the vines.

And then—it happened again. That same brilliant white dove returned, come onto the front porch and landing on the vine directly outside her window. It perched there, pecking gently at the glass, looking straight in at her. Debbie watched this amazing dove, as it stayed there pecking on the glass and looking at her. Through her sobs, she asked aloud, “Jason is that you? Are you letting me know that you’re okay?”

In that moment, the dove took flight, soaring away—never to return.

Debbie has no doubt in her heart. She believes it was Jason, sending her a message from heaven: that he was safe, that he was at peace, and that she would one day see him again.

Hey, J! Happy belated biiirrffday to the biirrrfffdayyy boy! Not a whole lot to say since last year. I continue to plug along on fixing and modifying the 4wd fleet. My thoughts these days are mostly of retirement, which won't be for another couple of years. Looking forward to that. It gets old stopping in the middle of what I'm doing to go to the fire station for 24 hours. Who needs that nonsense? Lol. 35 years of that will put some wear and tear on you. I look forward to spending all my time with family and when I'm knee deep into a project, not having to get interrupted. Feel free to stop by and point out when you think I could be doing something better ; ) .. I hope your family is all well. Take care, buddy.

I’ve tried to stay off here, since every time I come on, it leaves me feeling shaken for a few days.

I’m sure you already know—your '96 K3500 Crew Cab, “Willyswanter’s Truggy,” is hitting the trails again. Your brother and Esteban are taking it to the Rubicon with a group of friends from June 18 to 21. Your brother’s been hard at work, getting everything serviced and ready. And once again, your friends at Interco helped on five brand-new 47” Super Swamper LTBs. I’m not going myself—just getting too old for that—but I’m thrilled to see the Truggy back out there. Jason, please watch over your brother and keep him safe out there.

I love you, son. It won’t be long before I see you again. Until then, I’ll keep talking to you each night—and maybe someday soon, instead of crying, I’ll be able to give you the biggest hug.

By the way, we’ve been thinking about moving to Tennessee. When the time comes that Dog is no longer with us, I’m planning to take your mom and finally get her dream home—a log cabin. Tennessee has so many beautiful homes, wide open spaces, and truly kind people. I’ll keep you posted, just like always.

Love Dad

Hey buddy! I guess my post last year didn't get approved. I may have used a bad word in a light hearted way. Oh well.

Man, I've been thinking of you a lot. Been doing some work on the K5, and last summer I bought an 85 K20. But then I also bought a couple of XJ"s .. so the K20 is kind of on the back burner. I'm really itching to get at the K20 .. it has a healthy 402bb in it. I wanted to get in here sooner. But I've lost some family and friends recently and between that and things I have to get done, my days are often planned for me. Sometimes I like dig back through our old posts and late night banter .. some days it makes me smile.. others it makes me sad. I wore your memorial t shirt the other day and often do randomly. I made sure to get a couple, and a larger one to account for any pundage I may pack on through the years ha ha. I can't believe you would have been 42 now. And .. I can't even rag you about it. What happened to that blonde headed kid who messaged me when he got the crew cab.. still all stock and pristine? I sure miss ya, buddy. I hope your family is all well. Keep an eye on my progress, and be sure to whisper in my ear if I should be doing an upgrade better. Some of us are old and forgetful these days, and need all the help we can get. : )

Ken Sr. and Family.
It's somewhat amazing how every August there seems to be an underlying sense of things not being "right" or "good". There are a lot of things that happen in the month of August, kids starting back to school, the end of summer approaching, the hot days of summer seem to linger on longer than we want. While these are all the normal things I think the one event that lingers in the back of our minds, with some sort of super natural clock ticking, is the unfortunate anniversary of Jason's untimely death. While I know it may feel like he isn't remembered, I can assure you, many of us remember J, and recall the upcoming days of 2007. It still hurts me that I never got to introduce J to my son, I was looking forward Blazer Bash and bringing my son who wasn't quite a year old at the time. For some odd reason I wanted to introduce him to J, I guess little did I know I wouldn't see J in his worldly body and my son wouldn't ever meet him. Every time we go to Moab and go past his Plaque we stop. My kids know of Jason and that we're going to stop at the bottom of the Plaque line, some people call that Butt Scratcher ledge for some reason ;), and spend a few minutes. While they may not understand why at least they know. Jason's internet friends seem to be more scattered and harder to get together at times, but we're all still here and I'm sure we each shed a tear at some point this month when we think of your family and J.

Brandon Watson

Jason isn´t forgotten. It´s still hurts and feels like a personal loss 17 years later. We were dumb 20 somethings then doing stuff. Now I´m in my mid 40´s with a family but I still think of him.

To Jason's family,
I never knew Jason but came across his build, then how he had passed and read about the kind of person he was. I ended up on the list for notifications of updates because of the positivity I felt from knowing about him, even though I had never met him though I still remember him a few times a year as I'm sure all those who knew him do. Friends move on and priorities change but you can take comfort in knowing who he was and that he inspired even beyond those you will ever know.
Derrick

Happy Birthday Son. I stayed off here for a while past your birthday to see if any of your friends remembered you. As your mom said, they’ve moved on. Love you son and I spend more time than I should missing you and crying. Love Dad

Happy Birthday Son! Your Mom and I miss and love you so very much. Once again, another sleepless night, thinking of you and everything else. Love you Son, Dad

Hello Son:

Regarding personal life, your mom and I are now living in Pismo Beach. We live surrounded by old people, or should I say grumpy old people. It is not as we expected, put it much better than most places. My friend Batta Vujicic (https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/westlake-village-ca/vojislav-vujicic-10908676), that you met and befriended, passed away towards the end of last year, man that was hard on me. He called me on April 3 to tell me he had just found out he had cancer and on August 28, I received this text message; Natalie here (Batta’s daughter). My Dad passed away last night peacefully. He was ushered into eternity for eternal rest. Thank you for encouraging him through this time and being a dear friend to him. The picture of him on the linked site was taken at one of your mom’s family’s former Glennville ranch which Batta purchased from the Snow’s. I went to his funeral, or should I say his very large gathering, and stood next to his nephew Nick Vujicic from Life Without Limbs during the service. Batta was one of the most helpful people in getting me through the loss of you, he was always there when I needed him, now he’s gone, I wish I could have done more for him.

After moving to Pismo, we befriended a couple, Mike and Donna Maysey, that we met each morning at Dinosaur Park where we walked Jessie. Well, last Sunday while driving to the park, Mike started making funny noises and Donna drove him to the hospital to have him checked. When she came out of the hospital with staff, Mike was dead. I’m going to miss his “Good morning, Ken, how are you?” with a big smile, each morning.

Your big brother and I are once again working together, we are renovating hotels. While he worked for large commercial construction company for several years, he became an outstanding construction lead. He is truly knowledgeable, well organized and our clients like him. He spends allot of his time making sure I don’t do something stupid, which I seem to do more and more as I get older.

Love and miss you so very much. There is still a massive hole in my life without you. I spend most of my time missing you and at the same time, I realize just how unhappy you would be with the direction America is going. Knowing how much you loved our country and how patriotic you were, it hurts so very much to watch it going downhill fast. I hope Americans wake up soon and save our country.

Love eternally, Dad!

Jason, well I stayed off here on your Birthday, your 40th Birthday. Kind of an emotional day, awakening at 2:30am and went to sleep around, well I did not sleep that night. I did fairly good during the day, working on several bids that needed to go out, but at night, not good, too much time to think. I am going to stop now and just say I love you and really miss you son.

I think of you often, buddy. I miss those late night chats about dream builds. I'd tell you what all I've been up to lately, but I like to think you already know. I sure would have loved to seen what you would have accomplished by the time you were my age. Just wanted to let you, and those who care know, you're not forgotten .. even by those who never got to meet you face to face.

I visited Jason's memorial during the 2021 Easter Jeep Safari. I happened to arrive at his memorial right as the sun was rising that day. The memorial still looks to be in good condition. Kindof a hidden gem on the trail.

Jason, I was thinking of you today. I always looked forward to this time of year so I could look for some tool that you did not already have and surprise you with it.

I heard the lyrics to a song that fit you perfectly:

"When I die, I wanna live on the outskirts of heaven where there's dirt roads for miles, rocks on the trails and sand in the river. Where there's streams to cross and rocks to climb and dirt trails forever. Lord when I die, I wanna live on the outskirts of heaven."

Son, I hope you are living on the outskirts of heaven and Jesus is your spotter.

Love you

Hi J; having a bad day today. I was setting trying to catch up on work and listening to music and Kenny Chesney's - Who You'd Be Today came on and got me to thinking. Thinking is bad!

We lost our dog Tricksy just after Christmas and I'm still having a hard time with that as well. Just before leaving for Cleveland, I was working in the evening at my desk and all of a sudden, I felt weight across my feet and they got warm just like when she used to come in and lay across my feet at night when I was working. Without thinking, I looked down and said, How's my Baby and then realized what was happening, so very strange and sad.

As I get ready to turn 70, I seem to think a lot about seeing you again. Love you J, Dad

I never met Jason but came across a thread on CK5 where someone won the Jason Paul Payne award and though I had seen it before years ago when I first joined CK5, this time I was compelled to look into his builds, contributions, and who he was. I've been floored with the amount of greatness he achieved, the kindness that defined him, and the respect people had for him. I wish you and your family the best.
dbcorvairracer CK5.com

Okay, I'm just setting here working and then the radio starts playing Who You'd Be Today and I lose it. Haven't heard that song in a long time but on your Birthday, they play it. I was sent this song by several people a few years after you passed, and it really makes me think.

Love, Dad

Happy Birthday Son!

Thirty-Six years ago, God Blessed your Mother and I with a great son, a wonderful addition for me, giving me three great kids.

As I approach my 70th birthday, I think about how I'm getting closure to seeing you again and having the chance to embarrass you once again by giving you a big hug.

Nick Vujicic called a few weeks ago, the nephew of Batta Vujicic whom you met a few times, and Nick offered to come speak at our church. He talked to Pastor Mel and now everything is in motion for him to come speak on the 9th of September. The church is already starting planning, including securing a large tent for the overflow crowd, arranging off-site parking with shuttle service, etc.

What else, oh also our house was featured in San Diego Magazine along with being included in for the second time in the annual home and garden tour. All your mom says is that adds value to the house, we shall see. We will be selling the house next spring and moving to Pismo Beach for a while. Then Carrie, John and we will be moving to somewhere around Sequim, so we can all retire, that's the plan for now.

I'm trying to get a group of your friends together to come fix the brakes and the leak on your rock crawler, so it can be taken out a couple of times next year, probably my last times out in it. The truck will be passed down to your brother and Austin, your nephew you never met.

I guess that is it for now, really miss and love you. Dad

Jason,
I never met you but came across your memorial today while jeeping gold bar rim. I said a prayer for you and your family. My family, friends and I had a great day jeeping and shared your love of the Moab area.
Being at your memorial was a powerful experience. The love your family and friends have for you was present. Wheel on Jason.
Sincerely,
The Smith family
Colorado

Hi Jason,
Can't believe you've been gone for ten years! Happy Birthday!!! Every time I walk outside and enjoy my beautiful yard and lighting, you're right there. Think of you so very much and know you are sharing the joys of the open road with the Good Lord and his angels. It's also good to know that we have such a wonderful guardian angel like you looking out for us. Miss you and your folks so very much, and keep you in my prayers.
Lots of hugs,
Mary Helen

Jason my son; happy 35th Birthday. It's been 10 long years without you, I miss you every day, cry several times a week as I'm doing right now. Your Mom sent you her birthday wish throughout the day and I asked the Lord to wish you a happy birthday for me. I was telling the men at Men's Fellowship last night that I'm so blessed by knowing where you are and that I will see you again. Happy Birthday and I thank God for the time we had with you. Love, Dad

Hi Ken and Debbie,
Every time I look at my beautiful trees lighted for the holidays, or your former homes I think of you and Jason. Lots of fond memories. Miss you all.
Lots of love,
Mary Helen

Been thinking about you lately bud. The old crew has been busy, hard at work on projects and hasn't been out wheeling. I'm sure if you were around we'd be hearing it from you. Sorry about that. Things are turning though. We will be back at it this year. Expect visits this summer...promise.

Miss you.....

Hi jace: I think of you a lot. You were
My only grandson. I hope you are
With Jesus and are happy. I love you.
Grandpa

Jason:

Well its August again and I kept very busy on the 2nd so your birthday wouldn't drive me crazy again. This year was really bad; one of my friends from San Antonio Texas, Dan Pollard, lost his 18 year old son Josh. Josh went to bed on the 2nd and never woke up, dying of cardiomegaly which is an enlarged heart. Dan wrote me: There are some good things coming out of this. We had over 1,500 people stand in line to hug and greet us at the visitation on Sunday. At the memorial service on Monday, there were 1,711 people. 65 stood and accepted Jesus as their Savior. There are other blessings that we can take comfort in.

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/josh-pollard-obituary?pid=1000000181006024

I've been thinking a lot about you lately; must be the August syndrome. The 23rd is approaching and I'm thankful I have Men's Fellowship at church that night; going to be extremely tuff once again. Your brother is doing awesome as a Project Manager for Tharaldson Hospitality Development; you would have liked Gary Tharaldson, he is a really nice humble man. Got to go son; it's approaching 1am and I need some sleep before going to church. I heard a great explanation of what has happened to you from Chuck Smith.

You're not dead; only your earthly body is dead but your spirit which is the true you, lives on and is waiting for me to join you.

God Bless my son and say hi to your grandpa for me.

JasonPayneMemorial.com is back! Thanks to Marc Jones who originally created the website; who found his thumb drive with the website saved and Kynana Chambers of Fluxar Studios who hosts the site and spent the time to get the site back on line, again many thanks.

I was just listening to some songs from the CD you had in your Dodge on that fateful Rubicon trip and was thinking about you buddy. I'm sorry we haven't made a trip out to visit you in the last few years, but we will be back. Miss you man, I wish you were still here to answer my dumb questions.

Jason and Friends:

Well your website got hacked and Marc is trying to get it back on line.

This afternoon I was working and heard the radio start playing I Drive Your Truck by Lee Brice and again it got to me. This is the song that Esteban sent to me saying it described how he felt every time he drove your Rock Crawler. I've been working on your truck getting it ready for 2016 and it is planned that your brother and I will be taking a truck to the father's day event where the antique cars and street rod clubs will be displaying their vehicles and I've been asked to bring your truck.

Okay, I'm going to finish now so I don't get carried away. Love you, Dad

I just saw the memorial plaque on Gold Rim, RIP Jason.

Happy Birthday Son!

I've been thinking of you all day; wondering what Jesus has you doing. Your Mom and I have been talking about you, reminding each other of all the crazy things you did or we asked you to do and you never said no.

Your Brother is working for me and doing a great job; he is now one of our Project Managers and as you would expect, our clients love him.

God Bless You my son and I look forward to seeing you again.

Man, I don't even know what to say. I'm just a guy who was bored during work, and regularly cruise around truck forums. 1 click led to another, and eventually I find myself to all the threads regarding your passing, Jason. I am sorry that your life ended so shortly, and to all those who have had to deal with it in theirs. It truly brings tears to my eyes to think what was lost. I hope everything is well where you are at now, and I wish piece and comfort to everyone who still mourns you. Thank you for being such a great person during your stay with us.

Dear Payne family, our prayers are with you, i hope you find peace that Jason is in the arms of our lord and savior,my family and i know the pain you go through as our BEAUTIFUL daughter Cierra Angelique Redenius went to be with our lord and savior JESUS CHRIST on 12-25-2007 God Bless

Still thinking of Jason on a regular basis. He was quite the influence, and I intend to allow that influence to continue.

Hi Jace:

I thought of you on your Birthday, but
it is really tough not to have you here
with us so we could say Happy Birthday
to you person to person. You were my
only grandson and I miss seeing you.
I know that you are with Jesus in heaven and I am sure he is utilizing
all of the earthly talents that you
brought with you.

A special Happy Birthday to you on
your 32nd year.

Grandpa

Paul

Hi Jason: Happy birthday. Funny that I got in the car on Friday and on the radio was playing "When I get where I'm going" Brad Pasley. I know you are still in touch because that song is my connection with you. Love and miss you Patti +++

Hi Jason,
Friday and yesterday (08/01 & 02) I walked around the yard with Mario, my electrician. We were discussing repairs to my sprinkler system, now that new drought laws are in effect. That's when I thought of you and your dad, and how you worked your "magic" on my sprinklers and electrical outlets at the bottom of my big tree in the front yard, and how you both re-wired my old garage together. I looked up and quietly thought, "Jason, we could really use some rain around here." Well, I'm sure you heard me, because it rained this morning for quite a while. Thanks much for still caring about your old neighbors and neighborhood. This little old lady across the street still misses you, and I really, really miss your mom and dad. Wish they were still here so we could share our memories of you, and give each other much-needed hugs. I often envision you in your "big buggy" whipping around the corner and saluting as you went buy. So long, for now, dear Jason, and many hugs from an old neighbor and friend,
Mary Helen

Jason; last night I set here in my home office trying to type something for your birthday. As I set here doggy Jack came in and laid down next to me and went to sleep. He does this regularly and your Mom always says it reminds her of an old man and his dog, inseparable. After that Jack started acting like he was sick and extremely uncomfortable. I ended up spending the night outside on the patio with him and he just kept acting like he was hurting and kept looking at me as if asking, help me! Well this morning he died at around 8:30; I'm so so very tired of death.

Happy Birthday my son; I wish I was out wrapping some special tool with dozens of 32 gallon trash bags and numerous rolls of duct tape. That is a wonderful memory that has brought tears to my eyes again. Miss you every minute of every day; think about you probably more than is good for me. I'm sure you know that Dean passed away and Tammy is having a very hard time of it. Your Mom and I both love Fallbrook but it is just another lonely place to me. Love you son and someday I hope to be with you again and maybe then I will understand “WHY”.

Hi Jace:

This is your grandpa Paul. I read
a poem the other day that made me
think of you on 8/23 the day we
heard about your passing and making
your way into the gates of heaven.

I do not who wrote this, but it makes
me think of you.

It goes like this:

If tears could build a stairway and
memories a lane, I'd walk right up to
heaven and bring you home again.

Love always,

Grandpa

Well J; it's been six years tonight when I got the note to call the hospital, you had been hurt. And then the doctor telling me what had happened; my life changed completely at that moment and the old life I knew died with you. Today I got in my car to go to Carlsbad and when I turned it on Greg Laurie was on the radio discussing the loss of a child, especially a son. He was telling his story about the painful experience of losing his son Christopher in a tragic accident and what it was like to hear about it and live through it. Then he started talking about Nick Vujicic who is Batta Vujicic's nephew who you met and is a family friend. It seems Greg Laurie and Nick have made a movie called “Hope for Hurting Hearts” which is an in-depth look at the biblical response to suffering.

As I drove I listened to Greg and he said something that made me think; “To a believer; death is not the end of life, it is the continuation of life in another place.” He went on to explain how the bible says in heaven we will know everything and everyone and you will look the same but in a perfected body.

When I stopped at the reprographics company to pick up plans the song that Esteban emailed me, “I Drive Your Truck” by Lee Brice was just starting to play. Esteban sent it to me and asked me to listen to it; he said it describes how he feels every time he drives your Truggy.

Love you son and look forward to seeing you again.

Jason Sweetheart, this is your Grandmother or "Granny" as you would call me being the tease you were. I am sorry that it as taken me so long to try to express how my heart breaks at the thought of the most unthinkable heart breaking thing I have ever had to accept. Every time I walk by one of your pictures setting out, my heart breaks as much or more than it did at the horrible moment your Uncle John came to tell me. I will always love you with all the love a Grandmother could ever have for a Grandson who was so special and such a joy to have been blessed with, even for such a short time. Know Jas, that you are loved and missed by all so very much and will forever be in my heart and thoughts.

Love You

Hi Jason,
I have confidence this message will reach you up above. I know you are doing as well in heaven as you did here below, helping out the neighbors and keeping an eye out for all the stars, making sure they remain bright as ever to light our way. Be sure to remind the Good Lord each and every day to take a peek your mom and dad's way. They need to find a special refuge where they can relax and mend. Our old neighborhood isn't the same without you three, but there are reminders everywhere of the good you did while among us. Miss you all very much, Mary Helen

Happy Birthday son; tried to stay off here today, didn't want to get carried away. Recently met a young man named Chuck Kammer who has an early jeep very nicely set up for rock crawling and his shop is building an old Willys. I saw 54” Swampers and was told they were for the Willys. Chuck said he is kind of a loner because he doesn't drink and I told him I would contact him and go with him crawling. By the way; he used to rock race but I'm not sure if with Cal Rocks or not. You would have liked him and the two of you could have had a lot of fun. Your Mom and I love and miss you desperately and look forward to seeing you again.

Happy Birthday buddy! Wanted to let you know we all still think and talk about you all time and miss you just as much as the day you left us. Wheeling and shenanigans just aren't the same without you.

Miss you bud.

Nathan

Good morning grandson and Happy Birthday.
I know you are at the side of Jesus this
morning and helping out in everyway you
can. For those people who never meant
you I have many remembrances of those
things you did for others when you
were present in body on this earth.
I remember a lady coming up to me
when you arrived from the airport
for a visit with us in Arkansas.
You were 13 years old and the lady
ran up to me an told me is that your
grandson. I said yes. She said he
is not only a bright young man, but
very personable with a kind personality.
I thanked her for her comments and at
that time I realized he had special
gifts that would later be shared with
others. It was a tragic loss to lose
you grandson, but you accomplished so
much in helping others with your many
skills and reaching out to others when
they needed comforting in their lives.
I thank God for the time I did have
the opportunity to share what time
we had together. I just wish I would
have been able to do a little more
for you while you were here.
Again, Happy Birthday and may
your spirit light up the heavens
above forever.

Grandpa Paul

Just wanted to say I stopped by Jason's plauqe today on Gold Bar Rim today and paid my respects. May he RIP.

I have been contemplating a Chevy one ton truggy build for years. Through having difficulty's around some of the flex, shock, and axle issues, it led me to the web. Though I have had no previous knowledge of your son and his phenomenal talent. Jason has reached out to me and touched my life through a common love of unique custom modification, welding and fabrication. I mourn our loss, for what I can see and read of him he was loved by all who knew him so it is by association my loss as well. his plans and dreams have lighted my way thank you.

Jason my son:

Once again it is the day I dread the most each year; Christmas. Your Mom and I have not celebrated Christmas since you left us; nevertheless, we do still worship the Lord's Birth. It was God's plan that you give us 25 wonderful years and then join him in Heaven. It is not for me to understand but rather accept as God's Will and know you're in a much better place. May God continue to bless you and I pray that when it is my time to leave this earth; I get to join you in Heaven. Love always, Dad

Merry Christmas Jason. Love and miss you very much. Martin and Patti +++

while googling photos for ideas for my Chevy rockcrawling rig I would regularly come accross pics of Jason's rig. Having used many pics of it for reference, I eventually came accross this site. Amazing. Sorry for your loss and great job on cherishing his memories.

To Jason's Friends; last week while driving home from walking the Pierpont Inn in Ventura, I was talking to my heavenly father. I was asking him to take care of Jason and telling him how much I wish I could just hold him again. Well last night I dreamt I was walking into Jason's old room at our house in Southwest Bakersfield. I saw a lump in the bed and I backed out not believing what I saw; then I looked in again and the lump was still there. I walked in and it was Jason asleep at about 14 or 15 years old. He woke up and for some reason I said; you died and he said yes, I know. Then I lay down next to him and he laid his head on my chest so I could rub his back just like before. He looked up at me and said; “Tell everyone to keep me in their memories for awhile”. After that I put my arm around him and went to sleep which was really me waking up. I awoke with my pillow wet and my face covered with tears. As I laid there I was thinking of the last time I saw Jason and he told me to “Keep me in your heart for awhile”. Thank you Lord!

Looking for my cousin who was also named Jason Payne, and also died 2007. I came across this page and I want to say I am so sorry for your lose.

Preparing for move to Temecula; packing so many cherished and unforgettable memories and giving away so many treasured items. This has been very emotional for me. I was working on answering today's emails and listing to Grooveshark after driving all day and one of Jason's favorite songs came on, Metallica's Nothing Else Matters – damn allergies getting to me again.

I wish Heaven had a phone so I could hear your voice again. I thought of you today, but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday, and days before that too. I think of you in silence, I often speak your name All I have are memories and a picture in a frame. Your memory is a keepsake from which I'll never part.... God has you in his arms, I have you in my heart.

Hi Jason: I know that you are hearing my prayers as every single day I know hear "When I get where I'm going". Martin and I both miss you very much. Take care buddie. Patti +++

Dearest Ken and Debbie,
Every time I visit Jason's Guest Book, I end up with tears in my eyes. My memories of Jason are so clear and positive, it's still hard to imagine our world without such a fine young man. I will forever remember his kind, respectful manner; and his quiet commitment to getting the job done, whatever it was. He never failed to wave and give me a friendly nod as he wheeled around the corner. I always felt safer knowing that Jason was in the neighborhood. He got that from you, his loving parents. Now you, too are preparing to leave us. Life in east Bakersfield won't be the same without the Paynes in it. Your strong commitment to family, friends and community will be sorely missed. Jason was a testament to your love and values. I'm sure he continues that tradition in heaven above, and is keeping an eye on us all from up above.
Love you all very much, and always will.
Your walking and garden buddy,

Jason,
We did not know you, but we have met your mother and father. Through them, we feel as if we did know you and appreciate the testimony of your love for the Lord.

We know they miss you very much. We too have lost a son and a grandson. Some days are extremely emotional, but the knowledge of their relationship to the Lord gives us peace that only a Christian can understand.

Your mom and dad have been a great source of comfort for not only us but for our son Randy and his family.

Though we did not know you, we wish we had.
Sid and Linda Peterson

Hi Son:

Well it's not getting any easier, my emotions started failing me on the first of August and on the second I was my normal basket case. As I started getting a little better then came today. I spent today packing “stuff” from my home office and it seemed everything I touched brought back memories. It was terrible; came across your death certificate, social security card, driver's license, credit card, etc., not to mention tons of other items that you were involved in at one time. Packing the house to move is tuff; it is like packing memories more than stuff. I'm having sleepless nights thinking about moving the garage and so far I have one helper and I'm sure you know who that is, bggrnchvy Kyle.

Had another song sent to me the first of the month that made someone think of you once again; Wish You Were Here by Lee Fields & The Expressions. I listened to it last night, great song and once again I lost control. Love you and can't wait to see you again.

Hi Jace:

Today would have been your thirtith
Birthday. It seems just like yesterday
when I was at the hospital awaiting your birth. This is always a sad day
for me as it reminds me of what it could have been. You were my only
grandson and I loved you dearly. I
remember your first trip to Disneyland
and how we had to walk so far to the
parking lot. You were about three
or four and I had to carry you piggyback to the car. You always
seemed to like to ride in cars and
do things with any and every kind of
vehicle. I guess your love for working
on cars and rockclimbers was something
that your special talent could not
stay away from.

I know you are in Gods Kingdom of Heaven and are happy living there.
I just wish God could have let you
stay a little longer so we all could
have told you one more time how much
your family loved you.

However, as long as your family and
friends have breath and a memory you
will always be with us.

Your loving Grandpa,

Paul

I ran across a pics of jasons story on texas4x4, I seen a pic of his crawler, an said to myself thats the first crawler I seen acouple of years ago and said I want to build one like that! God bless your family and I know your CRAWLIN' in heaven! Wheel on brother!

I am so sorry for your loss. I didn't know your son. I did follow him on the GM forum years back. I was always impressed with his work and designs. I've been away from the off-road scene for awhile and am getting back into it. I thought of Jason and figured I would look him up and see what he was building now. I am blown away. Again, sorry and if it means anything, this kid left an impression on me and I'm sure many. Take care.

Wheel in Peace Jason!

Kindest regards,

Bob aka rms

Jason:

Okay; I had a couple of bad days last week and started reverting back to my “emotional” self. Then I woke up in the middle of the night having just heard from you in my dreams. You said; “Don’t you understand that I’m with you; what do I need to do, how else would you explain a wild Dove flying down next to you, letting you pick it up, pet it, walk around with it on your hand and then staying with you until you went to work – it was me”. I told your Mom about what I heard and she told me that your fan in your bedroom had come on by itself that night also. Love you son and sure do miss you.

Jason:

I have a few thoughts I thought I would put down before I forgot them. You were the way you were by God’s design; you lived life to the fullest with your home being in Bakersfield, when not traveling with you rock crawler looking for adventure and growth. You were a natural leader in so many roles. You will be sorely missed by all those who knew you. Know that your impact over your all too short 25 years will be felt for generations to come, and by many in your extended family community of off-road enthusiasts. Your Mom and I love you, Jason. May you smile down upon all of us and bring light to our lives through your generous spirit. May you remain with your many friends on the trails as their guide and trail leader; bringing them home safely from each and every trip.

A song started about you my son but it has not been finished:

The Legend of Willyswanter

Your trail ran out way too soon
But your legend will never die
Because when it’s tuff and seems impossible
I counted on you til the end
Your big ol’ heart was always there
Your Truggy and you made everything possible

{Chorus}
In my heart now that you’re gone
I can hear you saying as I wheel on
Don’t cry for me now that I’m gone
Me and God are on the Rubicon
Gold Bar Rim is where I rest
I wheeled there with the very best
Remember me when you hear this song
Don’t cry for me now that I’m gone

Even though your trail ran out too soon
The legend of Willyswanter will live on
Trailer leader, guide and friend;
We could always count on you to the end
Master welder, fabricator and driver;
you were always our MacGyver

I salute you now my old friend
I cry for you now that you’re gone
Your trail ran out too soon
You left us all that day on the Rubicon
In my heart now that you’re gone
I’ll always know you’re with me on the ‘con
When I think of you I get a little smile
Knowing that you're with me every mile.

FOUR LONG YEARS – What can I say; most of the time it seems like just yesterday we heard the news. I remember everything so vividly from that night; but don’t remember much about the next day. Two weeks ago I received an email addressed to you from a guy at Motherlode Rockcrawlers asking for your help on his project; people still need your help. Last week I ran into Dr. Allen and he was talking about how much he misses you every day. He went on to tell how he shows people the wood work you did in his showroom and people can’t believe how quickly you did the work and how it looks. He wanted me to know that he was told to tell me that you’re with Jesus and you’re now my Guardian Angel watching over me. I had trouble understanding why it happened and where you are now until one night I heard that you are where you belong in heaven and the proof was in the story told to your mom about your spirit going through your friend as you departed this earth. I was told; that was all for my sake as much as his; the angelic music and him feeling you around him was my proof – accept it. I have felt better after awaking after that night; now I just thank God for taking care of you. God Bless You my Son; I look forward to when the entire family can be together again. Love you, Dad

We miss you Jason and wish you a belated happy birthday.

Martin and Patti

Happy 29th my son; what can I say, I miss you everyday and have spent all day having spells. I will write more later, Love You.

August 02, 2011

Dear Grandson:

Today would have been your 29th birthday. I still think of you
often and have asked the Lord our
God to give you a special place in
his Kingdom. You were a kind, gentle
and giving young man and deserve the
very best whether it was here on earth
or in heaven.

Let your birthday celebration be a
special one in heaven.

Your loving Grandpa Paul

Jeff; thanks for stopping by, where is the picture of you driving? For good article by Fred Williams about his friend Jason and the truggy go to www.4wheeloffroad.com and search under: 1996 Chevy K3500 Custom 4x4 - Wheel In Peace

Hey Jason, Your father invited me over to check out your rig, It is awesome!! I met your mom and dad, Great people! They sure miss you. Your dad told me lots of great stories. Your dad is going to take me out in your truggy sometime. I cant wait! I never even got to meet you, But I sure wish I had. Hope your having a good time wheelin up there.