James Keith Payne, 94 years old, recently of Fairfax Station, Virginia – born June 2, 1930 and raised in Burrton, Kansas – peacefully passed on January 29th, in his home.
An eager participant in a beautiful life, Jim was born 3 months early! He was a farm boy who went on to become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. After short but productive years as a veterinarian with the US Army, and then in private practice, Dr. Payne joined the United States Department of Agriculture as a Veterinary Officer, specializing in food hygiene. During his long career with the USDA, he assisted the US Congress in developing the vital language used in the most significant food safety legislation passed, the Wholesome Meat Act of 1967 and the Wholesome Poultry Act of 1968. He received many recognitions throughout his professional life, and in 2001 he was awarded the AVMA Public Service Award which stated that “No other single individual in the USDA equaled the far-reaching, landmark contributions of Dr. James Payne”.
In retirement, he and his wife Arianne (née Fellows, who passed in 2018), were vibrant pillars of their community, while enjoying the sunshine of Florida. As a team, they made many great contributions everywhere they lived. Most notably, they restored the Tarpon Springs historical train station, the Anclote Key Lighthouse and beautified every space they came in contact with. As devoted as Jim was to his career, his devotion to Arianne and everything they did together far eclipsed any other accomplishment of his life.
He leaves behind his sons Toliver (Jeanette) and Chris, his daughter Andrea (Tom), and their growing families. His grandchildren are: Alex, Tally, Logan, Annie, Ely, Jordyn and Jacob, and his great-grandchildren are: Henry, Chevy, Tallulah, Rhys, Phoebe, Hudson, Oliver, Lenny, Phayre, ReeseLo, Bowie, Fitz, Murphy and Bardot. Family was always Jim’s highest priority. Gathering everyone together in the evening for games and popcorn was to him heaven on earth. His family will continue this tradition for all the years to come.
