James 'Jim' Earl Payne, Jr.

James Earl Payne, “Jim” to his family and friends, “Dr. Payne” to his students at St. Edwards University, died at his home in South Austin on Monday, July 4, 2022, just days before his 83 rd birthday.

He was born in Sulphur Springs, Texas on July 13,1939 to Earl and Christin e Payne.

He is survived by his younger sister, Carolyn Bakker of Corpus Christi, and a large extended family. Among his relatives are Tim and Carol Gee and Frances Ann White; and Beth and Gerald Grafton of Sulphur Springs. Jim stay connected with many of his childhood friends and loved to tell favorite stories of their neighborhood adventures. In his teenage years he was an enthusiastic captain of the high school band playing the trumpet and the trombone. Jim was also an accomplished pianist and organist. His love of classical music was a lifelong passion.

In 1957 Jim enrolled as a freshman at The University of Texas at Austin where he pursued studies in the governments and politics of Latin America and social work, ultimately receiving a doctorate in social work.

After graduating, he decided to make Austin his home and lived there his whole life. His last 30+ years he lived in The Village of San Leanna in South Austin.

The role of education in creating pathways to a positive future for young people was Jim’s professional passion and one he remained engaged in even after he retired from his 25 year career as a professor at St. Edward’s University in Austin. His accomplishments as an educator included President of The Arc of Texas, an organization devoted to protection of the rights and self-determination for Texans with intellectual and developmental disabilities. At St. Edward’s University Jim helped to create the Global and Latin American Studies programs as well as general education courses.

He was a driving influence in expanding the population of international students at St. Ed’s. In 1994, The University of Texas School of Social Work recognized his accomplishments by naming him a Distinguished Alumnus. He is quoted as saying, “One of the most enjoyable things in my career was getting to know my students and enjoying having them in my classes”.

In 2013, when Jim retired from St. Edward’s, he was honored to be named a Professor Emeritus of the University.

His leadership talents extended beyond the field of education. He served as mayor of San Leanna for 20 years where in 2019 a local city park was named after him. Jim also spent many hours volunteering at Catholic Charities helping to orient newly arrived immigrants to the city.

Jim’s love for Latin America fueled his many travels to Central America where he developed strong bonds of friendships with people referred to as his “adopted families”.

Friends and family are deeply grateful for the tender and loving care provided for Jim in his last weeks of life by Hospice Austin of Texas and especially the loving kindness of two devoted long time friends who were his caregivers.

Arrangements for a memorial service are pending.

Contributions may be made in his memory to El Buen Samaritano (512-439-0700https://www. elbuen.org).

CUSTOM