James Michael Payne

April 7, 1949 - December 10, 2019

James Michael “Mike” Payne Born April 7, 1959 in Evanston, Il Died December 10, 2019 Survived by Brother, Gregory Vincent Payne Cousins: Terry Simone, Marietta GA, Tom Spaak, Green Bay, WI, Kathleen “Kit” Little, Lansing, MI, Tracy Milburn, Park Ridge, IL, Mary Rita Ressegue, Santa Clarita, CA Their Mother was Rita Spaak, deceased, Mike’s Mom’s sister Tony Clancy, Chicago,IL, Michael Clancy, Chicago, IL Two deceased cousins Ronnie Ann Clancy, James Clancy. Their Mother was Therea McCartney, deceased, Mother’s sister Richard Payne, Mazon, IL. His Father Ivan Payne, Dad’s brother Beverly Bill, Cedar Lake, IN married to the late Melvin Bill. Melvin’s mom was Dorothy Brieske, Mike’s Dad’s sister Jerilyn Joyce, Fort Worth, Texas. Her mother was Dorothy Brieske as well. He graduated from St. Michael Central High School Chicago, Il 1968 He served in the US Army Reserve 1969-73. In his youth he was a produce manager eventually managing “Food for Life,” in the early 70’s, one of the first health food stores on Chicago’s north side. From there he became a self-employed house painter eventually becoming a drywall contractor. In his early 40’s he decided to become a nurse, but never finished his nursing degree. Instead he became a nursing assistant at Weiss Memorial Hospital for 8 years. As a Nursing Assistant he was renowned for his ability to “find a active” vein on the HIV patients in the critical care unit. In 2000 he was diagnosed with serve diabetes forcing him into an early retirement / disability. Throughout this time he managed an apartment building that he co-owned with his brother Greg for 40 years. Throughout his life Mike was an avid athlete. He loved playing baseball as a youngster and played hockey in “bar leagues” with his brother as a young adult. He was enthusiastic bicycle rider all through his life and, despite his disability, rode his bike everyday, even in the Chicago winters up until his death. He also frequently vacation rode the California foothills with his brother Greg. He had a number of deep friendships that unfortunately ended with his friends passing in the recent years. He was loved by many and will be long remembered and missed.