February 1, 1961 - November 13, 2020
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
Dec 01, 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
Jul 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
Jul 07, 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
Dec 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
Dec 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
Dec 14, 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
Nov 18, 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
Nov 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
Nov 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
Nov 16, 2020
