Born and raised in Hemphill, Texas, Judge James Payne Jr. Is no newcomer when it comes to law. His father was the Sabine County Attorney and practiced law for decades. 

 

Payne has earned a business degree from the University of Texas and a law degree from the University of Houston.

 

Raised by a practitioner of the law Payne was inspired to follow in his father’s footsteps and began a 24-year long legal career working on civil cases with the Fairchild Price law firm.

 

After learning of Judge Mitchel plans to retire, Payne decided to run for the position 273rd District Judge. Payne wanted a change in life and thought that he could do some good as a judge.