Condolence & Memory Journal
Jim I talked to you many, many times in the pits on IMSA and Vintage weekends. I'm not rich or famous, nor am I a driver,pit crewman,track Marshall.anything related. I love racing, and I loved taking my Son in the pits so we could meet gypsy racers. My Son and I met everyone from local dirt to the very top of the IMSA/nascar food chain.. You were by far the most enjoyable driver we ever had the pleasure to be near.
You are missed more and more each day.
Posted by A friend April 30, 2022
I am so sorry. I just learned. I have so many stories. He was testing a car that had issues. He came into the pits saying the third engine mount needed to be replaced. Or the left front tire was 1 psi too low. Who can do that? Jim could.
My first pole came because he felt bad for cutting me off in the rain. He let me follow him. I did, and got pole. Won the race too.
He took my wife for a lap around Mont Tremblant. He saw her looking at the guardrails. “Don’t look at those! They’re expensive!”
I’m very sorry. Jim was an awesome guy!
Posted by Greg Willard - Potomac, MD - student December 01, 2021
My family loved him very much . He will be truly missed .
Posted by Norm LaChapelle October 31, 2021
I was deeply saddened to learn of Jim's passing. It just does not seem fair. Great man and driver. I enjoyed his videos so much, especially at Road America, where I took my 2nd SCCA drivers school, back in 1978. My condolences to all of the family and friends. A great loss for us all.
Posted by William Moats - Newark, OH - friend July 09, 2021
He was my instructor in the 1990s at Skip B and I spent 3 1/2 days with him and he was the greatest instructor and person. I still tell my 16 year old son about him. My goal was to have him go to Level Up so Jim could teach him too. I'm very sad and my condolences to the family.
Posted by Chuck Raymond - Other July 07, 2021
I use to enjoy the races as a child. Always a great past time of mine.
Posted by Tessa Alvarez - San Francisco, CA - Neighbor May 25, 2021
Met Jim in Sebring and was such a nice person and became a good friend. I had him join me and my Wife at Daytona for a Daytona 500 race. I met his wife in Sebring and shared lunch with both of them. Such very nice Couple. Going to miss them both. RIP
Posted by Everett Whitehead March 28, 2021
I was shocked to just now learn about Jim. I thouroughy enjoyed his videos driving the vintage Can-Am cars & my condolencences to his family. I life lived full but taken too soon. Rest in Peace.
Posted by K J - Belvidere, IL - acquaintance March 03, 2021
Amazing coach. He will live on forever with the best instructional videos. May he Rest In Peace.
Posted by Antony Oseitutu - Monteverde, FL - friend January 26, 2021
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.
Posted by Rick Nichols - Littleton, CO - 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.
Posted by Thomas Fritz - Gold Canyon, AZ - 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
Posted by Geoff Herald, M.D. - Beaver, PA - 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.
Posted by Julia Wilson - Longmont, CO - friend December 09, 2020
My sincere condolences to the Pace family. Rest In Peace my friend, you will be missed.
Posted by Romke Sikkema - Sebring, FL - 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.
Posted by Steele - IL 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.
Posted by Mike - FL 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!
Posted by Richard Carlino - Harrisburg, PA - 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.
Posted by 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.
Posted by A friend November 24, 2020
My condolences to the family. May the God of Comfort, continue to comfort the family, dulring these difficult times.
Posted by A friend 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.
Posted by 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.
Posted by T.S. November 22, 2020
To the family and friends of Jim Pace. Deep saddened for you loss. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Posted by JE Sowell - Charlotte, NC 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
Posted by TD November 21, 2020
Rest in Peace my friend, you will be missed.
Posted by John DeBenedictis - Daytona Beach, FL - 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
Posted by TD November 20, 2020
Sending prayers and words of comfort to the family and friends of Jim Pace. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Posted by JE Sowell - Charlotte, NC 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.
Posted by 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.
Posted by A friend November 19, 2020
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Too young to pass away.
Posted by Rhonda Garden - BEVERLY HILLS, FL 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!
Posted by Andy Swett - Lone Tree, CO - 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.
Posted 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.
Posted by A friend 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
Posted by 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.
Posted by Odette Wells - FL November 18, 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.
Posted by Alice Van Ryan - MADISON, MS - 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).
Posted by 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.
Posted by Frank & Sara - Wadley, AL - 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.
Posted by Ezeko & Rossy - Lagos Nigeria 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.
Posted by Chuck Hawks - Charlotte / Salisbury, NC - friend November 16, 2020
