Payne, James H. Born 1941 in Lubbock, TX Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. District Court, Western District of Oklahoma Nominated by George W. Bush on September 4, 2001, to a seat vacated by Billy Michael Burrage. Confirmed by the Senate on October 23, 2001, and received commission on October 24, 2001. Judge, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Oklahoma Nominated by George W. Bush on September 4, 2001, to a seat vacated by Billy Michael Burrage. Confirmed by the Senate on October 23, 2001, and received commission on October 24, 2001. Judge, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Oklahoma Nominated by George W. Bush on September 4, 2001, to a seat vacated by Billy Michael Burrage. Confirmed by the Senate on October 23, 2001, and received commission on October 24, 2001. Served as chief judge, 2002-present. U.S. Magistrate, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Oklahoma, 1988-2001 Education: University of Oklahoma, B.S., 1963 University of Oklahoma College of Law, J.D., 1966 Professional Career: U.S. Air Force, 1966-1970 U.S. Air Force Reserve, 1975-1992 Assistant U.S. attorney, U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Oklahoma, 1970-1973 Private practice, Oklahoma, 1973-1988