James Alvin Payne Jr.

1930 - 2024

PAYNE, James Alvin Jr., age 93, of Richmond, finished this life March 8, 2024. Born on June 1, 1930, to James A. Payne Sr. and Ann Elizabeth Staples Payne, Jim was a graduate of the University of Richmond. He served in Korea with the 1st Marine Division and was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. In 1953 Jim married Mary Aylett Creath. He earned a Master's of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, served as pastor of First Presbyterian Church Annandale and Meadows Presbyterian Church Charlottesville, then as Executive for the Synod of Virginia. Later at the VA Council of Churches, he formulated a vision for an interfaith religious presence in Virginia's governance. This led to establishment of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy with Jim as its founding Director. He served on the State Board of Social Services, Commission on the Future of VA's Judicial System, Task Force on Indigent Health Care, State Anti-Poverty Commission, and others. He taught public policy at Union Seminary. His volunteer work included home rehabilitation for the elderly in Richmond and rural Virginia. Jim received many honors including the 2003 Virginia First Freedom Award. He lived life committed to the welfare of others, believing that "a rising tide lifts all boats." Jim cherished having family and friends close and found much joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was devoted to his family, instilling in them that "to whom much is given, of them much is required." His wife Mary and sister Ann Long preceded him in death. He is survived by his children: Lewis Payne of Pullman WA, Sarah Redington (James) of Hot Springs, Elizabeth Lowe (Randy) of Abingdon, and Martha Meyer (Mark) of Winston-Salem; six grandchildren: Rebecca Lupesco (Anthony), Matthew Lowe (Brittany), Steven Lowe (Abbey), Carson Meyer, Claire Meyer (Payton), and West Redington; brother-in-law, Wayne Long; and sister-in-law, Alice McCullough. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren and a host of treasured nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A memorial service is planned April 28, 2024, at 1 p.m., Second Presbyterian Church. Memorial suggestions include the VA Interfaith Center for Public Policy, Project: HOMES, and Alzheimer's research.