James Albert Payne, Jr.

James (Jim) Albert Payne, Jr., age 81, passed away July 5, 2021 at home in Ocean City, MD, surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 23, 1939 in Baltimore, MD and raised in Overlea, MD; the only child of his parents, the late James Albert, Sr. and Doris Amelia (George) Payne. Following his graduation from Calvert Hall College High School, Jim worked for the Maryland State Highway Division as a Quality Control Tech. He later transitioned from a state job to a private industry, working for Contee Sand and Gravel. Jim was a dedicated and hard worker from the onset of his career, and based on his noteworthy achievements in the business, Jim advanced to Vice President. With years of knowledge and experience behind him, he started his own ready mix concrete company, Merit Concrete, in 1983, which he ran as President/CEO until he successfully sold the Company in 1990 and semi-retired.

Throughout his professional work life and continued into his retirement years, Jim remained committed to the industry he came to know and love, volunteering to serve in various prominent roles with many associations and committees: MD Aggregate Assoc. (Chairman 1978), Associated Builders and Contractors (Board Member), and Southern MD Natural Resource Assoc. (Member). Some of his most rewarding and favorite experiences were working with local legislative members creating positive policies for the industry, many of which live on as his legacy.

Outside of his professional successes, Jim's true passion in life were his family and friends, and being out on the water fishing (although he preferred catching). He was in his full glory when deep sea fishing on his boat, the SeaVee, or entertaining friends and family at his home by the water. Jim was an avid storyteller, and loved to have an audience to regale them with his tales.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years Veronica (Marciszewski) Payne and his four children Jeffrey (and wife Katherine), Daniel, David, and only daughter Kathleen. He was also the adoring PopPop to his six grandchildren: Ryan (and wife Clara), Kaitlin and Jon Wesson, James and Emily Payne, and Kara Payne. He was a loving brother-in-law to the late Rita (Romano), and Madelyn (Sotaski), Frank and Tony Marciszewski.

Calling hours will be held at Candle Light Funeral Home in Catonsville on Sunday, July 11th 2021, from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and 6:00 – 8:00 pm. A mass of Christian Burial will take place at the Church of Resurrection in Ellicott City on Monday, July 12th 2021 at 10:00 am, followed by his internment at Crest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

The family has requested that any charitable donations be made to the Zaching Against Cancer Foundation.

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