James Morris Pace

James Morris Pace, 76, of Boiling Springs, SC, passed away Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at Spartanburg Medical Center.  Morris was born in Tryon, NC on November 21, 1948, a son of the late Lucy (Russell) Pace and James L. Pace. He was recruited from high school and moved to Washington, DC to work for the FBI in the Justice building and shared an elevator with Hoover himself! He drag raced his car ‘The Polar Bear’ in the 70s winning many trophies. Morris was a former officer in the Tryon Police department and was the former owner and operator of the Gulf gas station in Tryon. In the 80s most weekends were spent hiking and off-roading with friends and family throughout the foothills of the North Carolina mountains. He retired from Michelin Tire after 30+ years and 20+ years of service on the Michelin Emergency Team. His kindness and love for the Lord was shown in his daily life and service to others. He was a devout Christian and member and a Deacon at Gateway Baptist Church. He never shied away from hard work physically and mentally. Morris and Toni were both admired for their gift of hospitality and caring for others. He was always interested in people and curiously asked them questions about their life. Often you’d see a twinkle in his eye and his mouth would turn up into a mischievous grin at what shenanigans were being told or adventure about to start. In addition, he was a jack of all trades and renovated many houses throughout his life and in his later years enjoyed excavating. You always knew Morris was in the room with his infectious, genuine and one of a kind laugh.

Morris is survived by his wife of 51 years, Toni; his daughter, Jennifer Shields of Chesnee, SC, and her children, Annalisa, Adilae, Aubrey, and Andeline Shields; his daughter, Dallas Moy, and son-in-law, Glennn Moy, of Brisbane, Australia, along with their son, Toby. He is also survived by a sister, Pearl Richards of Asheville, NC, and his nephew, Jay Cagle, of Landrum, SC. Morris was predeceased by his sister, Janice Cagle, and his brother, Barry Pace.

The viewing will take place at Gateway Baptist Church in Boiling Springs, SC, on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM, followed by funeral services officiated by Pastor Tim Ramsey. Burial will follow at Saluda Cemetery in Saluda, NC.

Serving as Pallbearers will be:  Bill Farnsworth, Ethan Cagle, Art Allum, Jim Sproles, Mark Shields, Randy Collins.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gateway Baptist Church, PO Box 160086, Boiling Springs, SC 29316.