Mr. James Edward Payne

UTICA – James Edward Payne, aged 80, departed this life on Thursday, October 5, 2023. James was born in Utica on October 26, 1942. James attended Utica Free Academy, and was a member of the UFA track team. Dealing with the many challenges that marked his early life, he displayed an inner fortitude that allowed him to succeed. After high school James became an upholsterer by trade and was employed for many years at Steats and Miller In 1966, James was drafted into the Army but chose to volunteer the draft and enlist in the United States Marine Corps. He started recruit training at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, where his shooting skills earned him the title of rifle expert and was placed on the regimental rifle team where the team competed against other military teams. After being stationed at Treasure Island in California, James was deployed to Vietnam as an artillery specialist with the 26th Marines under command of Captain William H. Dabney. James part of the 1968 Tet Offensive's Battle of Khe Sanh on Hill 881S always saying they were the ones who started it. James earned the following medals and decorations: The Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Good Conduct Medal. James was one of the few survivors of the 77-day battle, which later became the subject of historical books like "Khe Sanh: Siege in the Clouds" and "Valley of Decision: The Siege of Khe Sanh." James took pride in the knowledge that he and his fellow 881 marines would be remembered for generations to come. James was an avid outdoorsman and would find solace in being alone. James was also a regular competitor at Utica Rome Speedway drag races and always prided himself on knowing how to”shave the lights” It was there he met his wife Candace “Candy” Cariglio. They were blessed with two children. Throughout their marriage Candace was always there for James. James was also a competitive muzzleloader competing across New York State and won many first place medals using his flint-lock rifles named “Stonewall”and “Death Wind.” He was truly a good father, protector and provider. To James his family was most important and the values he taught his children and grandchildren will always be remembered. James was very knowledgeable and held a deep interest in American History. His favorite subjects were the Civil War and Word War II, particularly marines in the Pacific. His knowledge and passion for the subjects were evident to all who knew him. James loved trout fishing on the Lansing Kill and partridge and duck hunting at Chepatchet and the Mohawk. When his daughter Jamie was young, she always told her dad before he left to only “shoot the boy ducks.” James did his best. Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Candace; his son, Jeremy Payne and his wife, Kimberly Wilson; his daughter, Jamie, for whom he had a special bond and her husband, Christopher Wilczek; and his beloved grandchildren, Dahlia Ann, and Daniel James Wilczek. He is additionally survived by several siblings. James was predeceased by his older brother, Stephen D. Payne, who passed away in March 10, 2022, with whom he shared a special bond since childhood. In keeping with James’ request, all services are held privately, but family and friends are welcome to share a prayer of comfort for his family.

Mr. James Edward Payne

October 26, 1942 - October 5, 2023