Captain Jason (Radio) Paynter was born on September 15, 1971 in Paget, Bermuda. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1989 and completed recruit training at the San Diego Recruit Depot, California in 1990.

Immediately upon completion of boot camp, he reported for Marine Combat Training, then proceeded for training as an automotive mechanic. Jason then deployed to Iraq as part of Desert Storm.

Two years later, he completed the advanced Automotive Mechanic course. In 1996, he attended the Sergeant's course and in 1997 completed the Staff Noncommissioned Officers Nonresident course.

Also in 1977, Jason was selected for the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program and attended San Diego State University.

He graduated in May of 2001 with a degree in Business Administration. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant that same month and reported to Quantico, Virginia to attend the Basic School.

After the Basic School, Second Lieutenant Paynter proceeded to Pensacola, Florida for flight training and earned his Naval Flight Officer wings of gold from Training Squadron EIGHT-SIX (VT-86) in May of 2003.

After being designated an NFO, First Lieutenant Paynter proceeded to Whidbey Island, Washington State for training as an Electronic Countermeasures Officer with Fleet Replacement Squadron ONE TWO NINE (VAQ-129).

In August 2004, after ECMO training in Washington, he reported to the Second Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina and checked in to Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron THREE (VMAQ-3), the Moondogs, flying the EA-6B Prowler.

While attached VMAQ-3 Capt. Paynter deployed to Afghanistan in January 2005 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and to Iraq in July of 2006 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In February 2008, he deployed with II Marine Expeditionary Force to work in the Combined Theatre Electronic Warfare Coordination Center.

Capt. Paynter reported to Marine Training Support Group-21 aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida in January 2009, and was assigned to Training Squadron EIGHT-SIX (VT-86). At VT-86 Capt. Paynter was designated a T- 39N/G mission Commander as part of the advanced stage of Naval Flight Officer training. While at VT-86, Capt. Paynter served as Assistant RMS Officer and Naval Flight Student Division Officer.

Capt Paynter's personal decorations include the Air Medal, three awards, for missions flown over Afghanistan and Iraq, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, two awards, and the Marine Corps Good conduct Medal, three awards.

Capt. Paynter is survived by his wife Brandy, two daughters Destiny (12) and Jasmine (nine), son Jason Jr. (four); father Burton, mother Patricia Louis Annis; brothers Anthony and John and sister Monique.

In lieu of flowers make donations to: VT-86 Officer's Fund Paynter Memorial Fund, 390 San Carlos Road, Suite G, Pensacola, FL 32508.