Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Add a Memory
Make a Donation
BORN
1913
DIED
2010
J.C. Pace Obituary
Mr. Pace served two terms as president of the Fort Worth Area Chamber of Commerce and played a key role in building the Kimbell Art Museum.
Mr. Pace was born June 13, 1917, in Alto, the son of Joe and Novelle Pace. He moved with his family to Sweetwater at age 2. As a youngster, he worked in his dad's grocery business, delivering goods in a 1930 Ford pickup.
At age 21, he bought a grocery store in Sweetwater with a bank loan guaranteed by his father. He kept the business open 24 hours a day.
In 1956, Mr. Pace bought five grocery stores in Fort Worth and moved to the city, where he founded Buddies Super Markets with Kay Kimbell. By 1972 the grocery chain had achieved $200 million in annual sales.
After 16 years as the chain's president and CEO, Mr. Pace sold his stock to the Tandy Corp. to pursue other private business interests and to promote Fort Worth.
Mr. Pace was a member of the Kimbell Art Foundation and served on the board of directors for 40 years. He was president of the United Way of Tarrant County and the Fort Worth Chamber Development Corporation. For eight years he was a member of the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport Board and served on the board of trustees at Texas Christian University.
In 1979, Mr. Pace received the Golden Deeds Award from the Exchange Club of Fort Worth.
His wife, Joan Hendrix Pace, died in 1995 and son Joe Kelly Pace in 2009.
Survivors include daughter Margaret Pace Sykes; son Gary Hendrix Pace; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
The funeral will be private.
Memories and Condolences
for J.C. Pace
28 Entries
Cynthia Brown
July 6, 2019
You are my great uncle . I wish I would have myou !
Cynthia Jane Rust Brown
January 6, 2018
I would have liked to have met you. You were my great uncle. My great grandfather was Skinny Pace.
Linda Maloney, Esq.
September 20, 2010
I did not know Mr. Pace personally, but was given a gift from in the form of a scholarship which allowed me to study Spansh in Mexico at El Instituto del Fenix. I am sorry for your loss but I thank your family for this experience. Linda Maloney, Esq.
Connie Maughan-Bingham
September 10, 2010
I have many fond memories growing up of Mr Pace and the family. My father, ( Joe Maughan ),worked for the Paces for many, many years.
Thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Tony Hardee
September 9, 2010
My condolences to Margaret and David Sykes. Mr. Pace was a good man whose family was paramount.
Judy Hulsey
September 6, 2010
My sincere condolences Gary and to your entire family. I too am an old employee, when the office was on North Main. I will remember him has a great employer! And a fine gentleman.
James-Carolyn Hackney
September 6, 2010
J C and Carolyn in heaven working for the Good of man kind ...again. God bless
September 5, 2010
Working for Mr. J.C.Pace Jr. was a wonderful experience I enjoyed my job so much. Actually my 2 Brothers also worked for him for Buddieds we were mechanics @ Drivers He called us the keep um rolling boys he will be greatly missed but never forgotten Joe Balderas and Deceased brothers Andrew @ Felix Balderas. God Bless You All In This Time Of Sorrow. Amen.
Jeannie King
September 5, 2010
I was an employee of J.C. Pace for three years in the early eighties. My memories of him was that he was the most kind and generous man. His family was just as kind as he was. My thoughts and prayers are with you Gary and Margaret.
Bryce Pace
September 5, 2010
Although we did not get to see J.C. as often as we would have wished, he was always a kind and generous man who made us feel welcome. He was such an inspiration and will be missed! Our sympathy, Jay Bryce, Pam, Taylor, and Austin Pace
John Clay Wolfe
September 5, 2010
Thankful to have had a good visit with JC last year. For a man that could hardly speak, his words were gold.
Norma Ennrriques
September 5, 2010
I am so sorry for your great lost. Mr. Pace it was our pleasure being there to assist in your care. Margaret thank you for letting us help. You are in our prayers.
September 4, 2010
As the mother-in-law of nephew Jay Bryce Pace, I am aware of the kind generosity of J.C. & Joan to Bryce, Pam, Taylor & Austin through the years. What a blessing to be related to such a loving & thoughtful family. May your shared memories help each of you during this time of great loss. Elloui Moseley
barney odom
September 4, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bill Shelton
September 4, 2010
Knowing and working with J.C. when he was the President of the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce for two terms was not only a privildge but a learning experience for me.
There are many fond memories but the two trips we took to Washington D.C. to attend the annual meetings of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce stand out.
On both trips J. C. and I visited the Air and Space Museum at the Smithsonian. He has like " a kid in a candy store." Viewing the Wright Brother's plane and Lindburgh's Spirit of St. Louis was very special for him. He was as excited the second time as he was at the first tour.
As we were walking down the Mall he spotted a Merry-Go-Round and he was overjoyed and immediately said, "We need one of these at Trader's Village. He engaged the operator to find out all he could about operations and where to buy one. For the rest of the day he was consumed by this discovery.
These are fond momeries for me of an exceptional individual and I value having the opportunity to know J.C.
Today has he is laid to rest, I know there is comfort for the family to know that there is outpouring of prayers for their father and grandfather.
Rodney & Gale Johnston
September 4, 2010
Our deepest sympathy in the entire Pace family.
September 3, 2010
In other Words, I am in heaven! As he would say.
Tressa Fisher
September 3, 2010
No words can express my sympathy for the loss of J.C.; what a privilege to have known him. My prayers are with you all and know that Jesus has a special place up in Heaven for him. On behalf of Broadway Plaza, I speak for Dr. James Newcomer-TCU and Peg Thornton and oh so many that knew J.C. God Bless!
Douglas & Jody (Moorhouse) Lindemann
September 3, 2010
We are so sorry for your loss. J. C. was a kind and generous man. He will be missed deeply. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Ed Casebier
September 3, 2010
Mr. Pace's leadership of the Chamber Development Corp. was the driving force that resulted in the redevelopment of Main Street and downtown Fort Worth. Largely through his efforts, the historic Hotel Texas was obtained from Sheraton for redevelopment by Ray Hunt's Woodbine Development Corporation, and two Urban Development Action Grants (UDAG) were obtained from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by the Bass organization for the City Center/Sundance Square redevelopment on the north end of Main Street, and for the Hyatt Regency and Continental Plaza Developments by Woodbine at street's south end. The two grants amounted to one-forth of the total UDAG awards made nationally in that grant period - an unheard of feat for a city the size of Fort Worth. Thirty years later, his remarkable vision, made real by the private developments he encouraged, has made downtown Fort Worth the envy of the country. He was an extraordinary citizen and I was blessed to have known him.
September 3, 2010
Sincerest Condolences..Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the Pace Family. He will dearly be missed
Lydia and Monica (Traders Village)
Bonnie Solecki
September 3, 2010
Gary and Margaret, so sorry about your loss. He was the best man, best employer anyone could have ever known, I was so blessed to have been one of his employere No words can express the feelings everyone had for this wonderful man, I have nothing but good memories about his generousity toward his employees, city of Ft. Worth and his asistant Mr. Kearney..Our loss, gods gain......
Robert Koger
September 3, 2010
My family lived next door to the Pace's when they lived on Angus Dr. JC, Joann, Margaret, Joe and Gary were the greatest people you could ever associate with. I have known the Pace family all my life and I have always tried to live up to thier standards. They beleived and lived thier lives putting God, Country and Community first and foremost. JC will be missed, and the greatest legacy we can carry on is to try to live life as he did, leaning forward in the saddle, looking ahead and taking care of his fellow neighbors. My heart and prays go out to Margaret and Gary in this time of sorrow.
Valere
September 3, 2010
Sincerest Condolences - we lose them too soon for us ...but they are free and together again.....ggdaughter Lucien B. Pace / gdaughter Jonnie B. Pace Mundt
Bill and Mary mabry
September 3, 2010
Gary our prayers are with you and the entire Pace family . Your father and the J.C. Pace family have given much to make Fort Worth a great place to raise our children and grand children .The legacy lives on !
September 3, 2010
He was a great man and may he rest in peace. God Speed dear sir and may your family always prosper.
Salter Family
September 2, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
G'ana Thompson
September 2, 2010
Gary and Margaret, I was saddened to hear that J. C. had died. Remembering so many great memories when you all were still here. Your dad did so much for our town, and your leaving was our loss and Ft. Worth's gain. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results
Make a Donation
in J.C. Pace's name
How to support J.C.'s loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor J.C. Pace's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more