James Varnley Payne, 76, of California, MD, died May 24, 2008 in Franklin Square Hospital, Baltimore, MD.

Born September 26, 1931 in Washington, DC he was the son of the late John Colman and Hattie Trammell Payne and step-son of Hilda G. Farmer.

Mr. Payne is survived by a sister Edna Dean of LaPlata, MD, a half sister Mary A. Payne of Bowie, MD, half brothers John C. Payne, Jr., Riverdale, MD, Fred F. Payne of Mechanicsville, MD, Robert Payne of Bowie, MD and Ronald Payne and a friend Allan Zemann of Baltimore, MD. He was predeceased by four sisters, Mary F. Messineo, Anne P. Hockett, Jannie L. Jones and Violet M. Bessette, four brothers, Fred T. Payne, John H. Payne, Joseph C. Payne and Charles Payne.

Friends will be received on Thursday, May 29, 2008 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD were services will be held on Friday, May 30, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Mark Garrett of the Lexington Park Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow in the National Memorial Park Cemetery, Laurel, MD.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.