Harold Ernest Payn

Harold Payn Jr., 93, better known as Jim, passed away on December 24, 2021 in Albuquerque, NM after many years of struggling with Parkinson's Disease.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Jim was an electrician by trade, but a cowboy at heart. You could say he lived the lyrics of many a country song. After serving in the army, Jim established his electrical business in Moorestown, New Jersey.

Jim could do pretty much anything he set his mind on and he pursued his dreams, his hobbies and his careers with passion. He always had a love of horses and as a hobby spent time bull dogging. He built an arena in his back yard and put on clinics for his rodeo buddies. It was during this time he met Howard Beissinger, a well-known harness horse trainer. Jim joined Howard in Florida one winter to learn the racehorse business and in 1965, Jim bought a farm, built a racetrack and changed his professions. The farm became a successful boarding facility and Jim did quite well in his racing career.

In 1978 Jim traveled west and settled in Albuquerque, New Mexico and eventually became involved in building and remodeling homes. He spent time in Colorado where he built a small cabin and enjoyed riding horses and joining cattle drives, a dream come true for this cowboy from New Jersey.

Jim was always happy to share his knowledge and skills with his friends, and many business relationships were based on good old fashion handshake deals, trust and honesty. A real people person, Jim was loved by many with his wry sense of humor and ability to tell stories about his own experiences in life. He was also famous for making a wicked margarita.

Jim was a past member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church and a member of Hope In the Desert Episcopal Church, a place that was near and dear to him. For more than 30 years he faithfully served feeding the homeless and for over 14 years worked with Meals on Wheels.

Jim is survived by his faithful and most loving companion, Carol Fierro. Also surviving are his three daughters, who loved him dearly: Deborah O'Hare (Martin), Linda Goss (Andrew) and Nancy Poliseno (Carlo), 6 grandchildren, one great grandson and many cousins.

"Go rest high on that mountain son, your work on earth is done"
Rest easy Cowboy Jim.


A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Hope In the Desert Episcopal Church, 8700 Alameda Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87122

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's honor, may be made to Hope in the Desert ministries for feeding the homeless or providing for the Storehouse food bank.