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Jim Pace
1961 - 2020
BORN
February 1, 1961
DIED
November 13, 2020
Jim Pace was a sports car racing driver who won both the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1996.
We invite you to share condolences for Jim Pace in our Guest Book.
Read Full Obituary.
We invite you to share condolences for Jim Pace in our Guest Book.
Read Full Obituary.
Published by Daily Progress on Nov. 16, 2020.
MEMORIAL EVENTS
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GUEST BOOK
36 Entries
I'm absolutely shocked. This is absolutely devastating to all of us vintage racers. What a gracious, friendly and brilliantly talented guy. I constantly watch Jim's videos for entertainment or if I need to learn the fast way around any of the tracks he raced. His loss to the racing world is enormous. An irreplaceable guy; Godspeed Jim.
Rick Nichols
Acquaintance
December 30, 2020
This is a tragic loss. I thoroughly enjoy watching Jim's cockpit views of classic race cars on YouTube, especially at Road America and especially this year during isolation. My brother talked to Jim for a few minutes at Road America this year and said Jim was the perfect gentleman and one of the nicest persons he ever talked to. Rest in Peace Jim and may God give your family courage and strength in their time of saddness and trial.
Thomas Fritz
Acquaintance
December 16, 2020
Condolences to Jim's family on this sad occasion.
I met Jim at Sebring in early 1989, at a test day for the Barber/Pro SAAB cars. I recognized his name from the 1988 televised races , and I was a little leary about the big "step-up" to a higher horsepower , turbocharged formula car.
Although he had just the one season in the car, to me he was the experienced "benchmark" guy there.
To my relief, he reassured me that the car wouldn't jump out and bite me, and between sessions, he stopped by to inquire about my progress.
I recall my puzzlement when, after I mentioned that I was a physician and a surgeon, he told me his story of Med School and deciding against completing his final studies.
I was just a few years older than Jim, attending the test day with my wife, 6 months pregnant, and wondering how I was going to be able to finangle my surgical practice, my racing, and a family!
Over the years, as I monitored his success in racing, I thought back to what must have been a difficult decision for him in 1984-85.
Of course I always mentioned to my fellow amateur racers that, yeah, I knew that guy when he was getting started, and I enjoyed crediting him for his generous tutelage at Sebring.
From all the accolades, it sounds like this was a consistent feature of his entire career.
He was a true "Gentleman" racer in the best sense of the phrase, and his record on speed and results speaks for itself.
Again, condolences to his friends and family on your loss.
Sincerely,
Geoff Herald, M.D.
Pittsburgh, Pa
I met Jim at Sebring in early 1989, at a test day for the Barber/Pro SAAB cars. I recognized his name from the 1988 televised races , and I was a little leary about the big "step-up" to a higher horsepower , turbocharged formula car.
Although he had just the one season in the car, to me he was the experienced "benchmark" guy there.
To my relief, he reassured me that the car wouldn't jump out and bite me, and between sessions, he stopped by to inquire about my progress.
I recall my puzzlement when, after I mentioned that I was a physician and a surgeon, he told me his story of Med School and deciding against completing his final studies.
I was just a few years older than Jim, attending the test day with my wife, 6 months pregnant, and wondering how I was going to be able to finangle my surgical practice, my racing, and a family!
Over the years, as I monitored his success in racing, I thought back to what must have been a difficult decision for him in 1984-85.
Of course I always mentioned to my fellow amateur racers that, yeah, I knew that guy when he was getting started, and I enjoyed crediting him for his generous tutelage at Sebring.
From all the accolades, it sounds like this was a consistent feature of his entire career.
He was a true "Gentleman" racer in the best sense of the phrase, and his record on speed and results speaks for itself.
Again, condolences to his friends and family on your loss.
Sincerely,
Geoff Herald, M.D.
Pittsburgh, Pa
Geoff Herald, M.D.
Friend
December 14, 2020
I’m so sad you left this world to early. You are a great man, a kind man a true gentleman xx you will be missed.
Julia Wilson
Friend
December 9, 2020
My sincere condolences to the Pace family. Rest In Peace my friend, you will be missed.
Romke Sikkema
Friend
November 30, 2020
We long for the day when the deadly Virus will be gone forever. To Jim’s family I offer my sympathy and prayers that God be with the family and grant you peace.
Steele
November 29, 2020
My condolences. There are not many words at a time like this, but we can pour out our hearts to God, whom is a refuge for us. When anxieties overwhelmed us, God can comforted and soothed us.
Mike
November 28, 2020
Thanks for being there, and helping me to drive my ‘96 Riley that you won Texas in. You friendship meant so much to me. I’ll miss you a lot!
Richard Carlino
Friend
November 26, 2020
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Pace family on the death of of your love one Jim. He will be dearly missed.
LeeRoy
November 24, 2020
My sincere condolences to the Pace family and friends. At this very difficult time, may God be with you all to help you get through this very difficult time, so very sorry for your loss.
November 24, 2020
My condolences to the family. May the God of Comfort, continue to comfort the family, dulring these difficult times.
November 22, 2020
An incredible human being and ambassador for the sport, Jim Pace was a consummate gentleman. To his family, please accept my condolences. He took racing to the next level and was always exciting to watch.
C. Kelly
November 22, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss, he was outstanding in every way and will never be forgotten. I am praying that your family finds comfort in the memories of him.
T.S.
November 22, 2020
To the family and friends of Jim Pace. Deep saddened for you loss. Please accept my sincere condolences.
JE Sowell
November 21, 2020
My sincere condolences to the Pace family. May the God of all comfort provide you all the strength to cope with your loss
TD
November 21, 2020
My condolences.
November 20, 2020
Rest in Peace my friend, you will be missed.
John DeBenedictis
Friend
November 20, 2020
My sincere condolences to the Pace family. May the God of all comfort provide you all the strength to cope with your loss
TD
November 20, 2020
Sending prayers and words of comfort to the family and friends of Jim Pace. Please accept my sincere condolences.
JE Sowell
November 19, 2020
My condolences.
November 19, 2020
The mere mention of JP's name or the sight of him strolling through a paddock never failed to bring a smile to anyone's face. Lucky to have known this true gentleman for over 20 years. He will be so missed by so many.
Mandi L Bender
Friend
November 19, 2020
Sincere condolences to the Pace family, so very sorry for your loss, may God be your strength and comfort as you go through this most difficult time.
November 19, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Too young to pass away.
Rhonda Garden
November 18, 2020
So very hard to believe! Life can be so fragile at times! Sure seems you lived it to the fullest! You sure could make me laugh! Always a smile on your face. God bless!
Andy Swett
Friend
November 18, 2020
Please accept my sincere condolences to the the Pace Family. May you be taken care of by the God of Comfort. May He mend and bind up your grieving hearts with His tender mercy and peace. May His strength support you each day as you cope during this time of sorrow in your lives. Thank you for the Legacy that Jim left behind to remember him by.
BRY
November 18, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. Please be comforted by God's promises that He will remove all things that hurt our hearts. Sickness sorrow death and pain. He will strengthen all of you during this difficult time.
November 18, 2020
Condolences.
Rest in HEAVEN
Rest in HEAVEN
November 18, 2020
My sincere condolences to the Pace family. May the God of all comfort provide you all the strength to cope with your loss
Td
November 18, 2020
With sad heart i send my sympathies. May you all be comforted by his treasured memories and the intense love of your creator.
Odette Wells
November 18, 2020
Carol Sivadge
November 17, 2020
A true gentleman. Magnolia Region PCA has enjoyed his exciting presentations and were honored to have him as a member. He will be missed.
Alice Van Ryan
Acquaintance
November 17, 2020
I am so sorry about the loss of Jim. He was awesome and this is such a sad death with this Covid-19. The Pace family has my deepest condolences. I pray that you will be surrounded continuously with love and support. And, as you go through this difficult time, may Almighty God give you everlasting comfort (2 Thess. 2:16).
Jenee
November 17, 2020
Jim was a great leader, mentor and friend. He handled every situation with calm and grace. He was a natural diplomat and a great "face" for motorsports. A fierce competitor and an equal teacher, alway's the calm in the storm. He will be missed more than words can express.
Frank & Sara
Friend
November 17, 2020
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and friends.
May you all be comforted by “ the God of all comforts “ who is ever ready to comfort us in all our trying periods.
His generosity will forever be cherished.
May you all be comforted by “ the God of all comforts “ who is ever ready to comfort us in all our trying periods.
His generosity will forever be cherished.
Ezeko & Rossy
November 17, 2020
Shocked is not a strong enough word to express my feelings, so I can't even imagine what the family is going through. Jim was one of, if not THE nicest, most generous, kind and helpful people I ever met in motorsports. To say he will be missed is beyond the definition of "understatement." He never met a stranger and anyone who didn't know him, once they encountered his smile, they were no longer a stranger. RIP, Jim. Prayers, thoughts, hugs and love to the Pace family.
Chuck Hawks
Friend
November 16, 2020
A finer man was never born. And we loved this man, even though we'd not seen him in a while. He was kind of like a son to us so many years ago. Godspeed Jim.
Tracy and Michael Rand
Friend
November 16, 2020