James Nya Paye of Brooklyn Park, MN and longtime resident of St. Paul, passed away on July 1, 2022.
He’s predeceased by his mother Yea Kwanna, father Paye Zehn and sisters, Kou Senneh, Kou Yempu, Nohn Torkun.
He leaves behind sisters Yea Zumpu, Nohn Yenmen, brothers, Wilson Paye Zehn, Sammy Paye Zehn, Richard Paye Zehn, his five children, Rudolph Paye, Michael Paye, Catherine Garnett, Florkime Paye, Woanda Paye, a handful of grandchildren and dozens of nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Born in Nengbehn, Nimba County, Liberia on March 15, 1951, James was the third boy of eight children. He was a tenacious and ambitious child who pursued a career as an instrument technician, working at Lamco hospital in Yekepa, Nimba County Liberia.
He came to the United States in 1974, first living in New York then moving to Minneapolis where he attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with an Associates degree in Liberal arts.
He had a strong passion for music and was a talented, well known DJ in the African community, popularizing African music locally while also working in healthcare as an instrument technician.
In 1993 he had a stroke that changed the way he moved through life as a wheelchair user but it did not change his vigor for the fulfilling life he continued to live as a father, uncle, brother and friend to many. He continued working in many roles, including a warm and endearing face you saw at the Xcel Energy Center until he retired in 2017.
James died surrounded by family and love.
Mass of Christian Burial and reception will be held on Thursday, July 14, 2022 at 10:30 am, with visitation starting at 9:30 at Brooklyn United Methodist Church 7200 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429.
