Thank You for Your Service Mr. Payne!

Unscripted (Commentary)
By Keith Edmonds
FWIS Contributing Writer

James Payne is a man that truly defines the description, “A man for ALL seasons” as he not only works as one of the state of Indiana’s top high school officials in football, basketball, and baseball but also works for our local FWPD and is a FWCS school resource officer (SRO). In today’s edition of UNSCRIPTED I will look at this remarkable man and how his departure from our city will be deeply felt. His final game in our area will be August 25, 2023, when he officiates the Oak Hill HS vs.

Southwood HS football game. Officer Payne has decided to leave the Summit City and return to his home in Murray, Ky to continue the work that he’s started as an official and officer here, and build on his legacy in athletics and community service.

Wow! Where do I start when I try to encapsulate all of the many contributions that James Payne has given to our community and the state of Indiana in athletics? Maybe a good place to start would be when I met James as a young and upcoming referee when I coached at Elmhurst High School. He was scheduled to do one of my varsity games and when he introduced himself, I was immediately impressed by his on-court demeanor and the way he addressed us as “Sir.” Then his explanation of how he would cover the game and his willingness to discuss any concerns that we as coaches may have had during the game in a polite and very respectful manner; despite engaging in what could only be described as “tenuous moments” from the Head Coaches during the game. I’ll admit it, I could be difficult at times! But what I also noticed (as I’m sure many of you reading this piece did as well), was the way the KIDS responded to him, and him always willing to help them through moments or points in the games with thoughtful explanations and suggestions, topping it off with his trade-mark smile which suggested that “everything is going to be alright just keep working hard.” This separated James Payne from many other officials that were assigned to cover athletic contests in our state. His way of officiating almost suggested that he was saying , “Look, we’re all out here together, so let's just have some fun!” I for one really appreciated seeing or knowing that he would be handling my game that evening and always looked forward to seeing him again home or away from Elmhurst.

James Payne’s athletic career has covered more than 25 years and if you ask any player, coach, or school official they will all have their favorite James Payne story! You can’t help but to be drawn to his endearing personality, quick-wit, and ability to be humbled by any attention that was brought his way. His impact on our city was never more felt than during our time of COVID and the nation's uprising during the George Floyd marches as officer Payne showed up front and center and kept our youth out of harm's way and allowed them to express themselves without bringing too much damage to themselves or our city. How many people would have done that knowing that youth/police interactions can go sideways quickly especially during those tumultuous times?

I spoke with James recently and he explained that the reason for his departure was that a tremendous opportunity came his way to be in an elevated position with his hometown police department as well as continuing to officiate in college football, and baseball as well as high school football, basketball, and baseball and to be closer to his mother who is failing health. How could any of us fault him for making this very difficult decision? He said, “I have so many fond memories of Fort Wayne and the state of Indiana in general that it would be very to single out the best memories during his time here, but he did mention “Elmhurst girls basketball team winning state and who could ever forget the exciting team of 2003 with Hardy, Poindexter and your son Chad?” (That was great to hear him say!) James, I want you to know that our city, schools, and the state of Indiana is better because you said YES to officiating high school sports, and your fingerprints are all over this community in many ways! Take a bow Mr. Payne because you’ll be missed but never forgotten! I think that this sums up so many of our feelings regarding James Payne:

“He has been a stalwart of IHSAA officiating for 2 decades: And a wonderful individual/mentor for thousands of youths in both the FW Area and Indiana (proper).

I feel as though it would be awesome for him to be acknowledged for his wonderful dedication to our youth! There has never been an official that has received the accolades that he has been feted with.” ~ James Craig, Mark Herberger, Mark Stultz, Mark Mettler

("The FULL HOUSE CREW")

James will be officiating his final game in our area on August 25th @ Oak Hill High School vs Southwood.

James Payne Indiana State Finals Success:

4 Baseball State Finals 3 Football State Finals

2 Girls Basketball State Finals 2 Boys Basketball State Finals

Total: 11 IHSAA State Finals Officiated