Jack C. "Buddy" Payne, Jr.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Jack C. “Buddy” Payne, Jr., age 81. He passed on April 6th, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Jack was born July 15, 1943 in Shreveport, Louisiana and was a graduate of Mississippi State University. Upon graduation, he entered the Army as a Second Lieutenant. “Smilin” Jack was a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he flew UH-1 (Huey) gunship helicopters (Whiskey 1) in both combat and medevac missions. Jack was a true hero. He selflessly volunteered to fly countless missions to rescue his fellow soldiers from combat zones. His sole responsibility in war was to help protect his Army brothers, just as he remained the protector of his family his entire life. He also served as the Louisiana National Guard Commander to the 812th Medical Detachment based out of the New Orleans Lakefront Airport. Jack retired from the army as a Lieutenant Colonel and became a member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). After serving, Jack continued to fly for PHI and Air Logistics as an offshore helicopter pilot, where he logged more than 30,000 hours in the air. Jack also opened a family business, Payne Exterminating, which he continued to run up until his death. Jack was known for his ability to live life to the fullest. Whether that life was in fishing, hunting, friendship, sports, partying or most importantly, his family… Jack always did it BIG. And NO ONE told a better story. Jack was one of THE greats!

He was the son of Jack and Sara Payne (deceased). He is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Sharon Jacobi Payne, his two children Jack C. Payne III (Sierra), Wendy Payne Cooper (Kevin), and his four grandchildren Christian Payne Cooper (20), Caitlynn Paige Cooper (19), Chase Patrick Cooper (16), and Gracie Ann Payne (7). He is also survived by his sister Patricia Payne Harwell (Fonda), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Jack will be buried with full military honors on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home and Cemetery (5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA, 70124). A visitation will be held from 10am - 1pm. There will be a small prayer service in the Chapel at 1:00 p.m. by Father Joseph Tran with the burial to follow in Metairie Cemetery. Since, Jack was an avid lover of animals, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Animal Rescue of New Orleans (ARNO) (160 Brookhollow Esplanade, Elmwood, LA 70123) or Metairie Humane Shelter (6213 Airline Dr., Metairie, LA 70003). To view and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com