Lt. James "Jim" C. Pace

Born in Pickens, he was the son of the late J. Bolt Pace and Latha Babb Pace.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 79 years, Helen J. Pace, and his five children: Eddie Pace (Nancy) of TN, Debbie McDonald (Bob) of Pickens, Dona Anderson (Terry) of Pickens, Denise McKinney (Lance) of Seneca, and Dianne Carter (Freddie) of Liberty. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Jim enlisted in the Navy at 17 years old with only a 10th grade education. He earned his GED while in service and received many accommodations for first in the class in the varied schools the Navy sent him to. He was chosen for Officers Candidate School and then became a Lieutenant. He served his country faithfully through World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. His last tour on a ship was as Chief Engineering Officer on the USS Saratoga, an aircraft carrier out of Mayport, FL. His last assignment before retiring was as Shore Patrol Officer in Charleston, SC. After retiring he worked for Howard, Howard, & Reed law firm in Greenville, SC as an investigator. When he finally retired, he spent many hours playing with all his grandchildren. He was a great husband, father, and “Pop Pop”!

Visitation will be held at East Pickens Baptist Church, 2244 Gentry Memorial Hwy, Pickens, SC, on May 8, 2026, from 11:00 am to 11:45 am, with the funeral service to begin at 12:00 pm. A private committal service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to East Pickens Baptist Church, Operation Christmas Child fund.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.