Jimmy Dean Payne

The greatest man to ever live, known to friends as “Jimmy the Saint” and “Hapa” to his family, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side after a short, brave battle with cancer. Jimmy was truly one of a kind. He was known for his great sense of humor, competitive spirit (often punctuated with a “wanna bet,”) his talent to complete the NY Times Sunday Crossword in pen, and legendary holiday eggnog. The Payne family whistle, Church of Bowling, and his classic arrival “home again, home again, jiggity jig”- are just a few of the many traditions he created that will live on forever.

Jimmy was born in Soda Springs, Idaho to Berdean and Joyce Payne. He won the “Cutest Baby in Soda Springs” contest, something he bragged about throughout his life. He grew up on Logan Avenue and was the proud older brother to Dan, Kathy, and Leslie. A gifted athlete, Jimmy was a star football player at Highland High School, where he graduated in 1965. Shortly after, he began working at the Salt Lake Bridge Club — a job that would change his life. A brilliant and strategic player, Jimmy became an American Contract Bridge Sapphire Life Master. He spent many happy days playing cards at the Bridge Center and the Salt Lake Country Club. Bridge not only introduced him to lifelong friends and the stock market, but most importantly, to the love of his life and wife of 47 years, Lee Carrera Payne.

Jimmy began his career as a floor trader in 1968 on the Salt Lake Stock Exchange, launching a lifelong passion for the markets. Over the course of 34 years, he built a distinguished career as a trader, ultimately founding Olsen Payne & Company. Throughout his career, he held numerous leadership roles, including President and longtime member of the Board of Governors of the Intermountain Stock Exchange, President and board member of the Utah Security Dealers Association, and a member of both the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) Business Conduct Committee and the NASD Business Conduct Nominating Committee.

Above all, Jim was a family man. He and Lee started and ended every day with a kiss. He was a proud and devoted dad to his two daughters, Calli and Robyn. He coached soccer teams, cheered at every swim meet, wowed school classes with his yo-yo tricks, dressed up as Santa Claus each Christmas, and spent Saturday mornings making corned beef hash and watching Pee-wee’s Playhouse with his girls. He brought that same love and dedication to his role as “Hapa” to his four grandchildren — Keegan McGann, Logan McGann, Lola Jensen, and Kate Jensen — who adored him right back. With his family, he traveled the world, attended every Utah Jazz, Utah football, and Utes basketball game. He loved fishing, music, playing cards, and dressing up for Halloween.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lee; his daughters, Calli (Miles) McGann and Robyn (Andy) Jensen; his beloved grandchildren; his siblings; and countless friends. He will forever be in our hearts.

A celebration of life will be held at Rowland Hall, 720 S. Guardsman Way, on August 1, 2025 from 4:30-6:30 pm.