James Pace

Feb 25, 1943 -

Oct 3, 2025

James Bruce Pace, 82, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away on Oct. 3, 2025, ending his battle with cancer and finding peace.

Bruce loved deeply — from his love and duty to country, to his great appreciation for the land of Alaska and, most of all, to his family. Not just the family he came from, or the family he helped create, but also his many friends, because to him, friends were extended family.

He loved gardening, preserving, fishing, wild game hunting and cooking, and sharing all of it with neighbors and friends. Generosity was at his core. Fresh homegrown vegetables, homemade zucchini bread, his famous peanut butter fudge, fish jerky and game meat sausages were among the favorites he shared.

He taught himself taxidermy, becoming extremely skilled, and was given the opportunity to mount an eagle, which remains on display at the Army National Guard Armory.

His creativity shone through in many crafts — from beautifully carved diamond willow walking sticks, canes, lamps and more, to jewelry and other works made from antlers and hides. His belief in using every part of the animals he harvested lent itself to wonderful creations.

He was a faithful blood donor, giving 15 gallons of blood during his years in Alaska.

A lifetime member of the NRA, he also belonged to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and was extremely generous in giving to various charities.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Adell Rucker Pace; father, James Boyd Pace of Missoula, Mont.; one sister, Patricia Lucille Miller; and first-born son, Paul Kevin Pace.

He is survived by the love of his life, the mother of his children and wife of over 61 years, Maureen Victoria Pace; second son, Robert Bruce Pace and wife Kristi Pace; third-born son, Douglas Boyd Pace; and only daughter, Rebecca Renee Patrick and husband Joshua Patrick.

He is also survived by four grandchildren, Chelsey Marie Heritage, Kevin Alexander Pace, Jonathan Boyd Pace and Lillian Marie Nordstrom; and three great-grandchildren, Riley Nicole Heritage, Mason James Heritage and Elaina Rose Heritage.

Bruce's services will be held on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. for visitation, with funeral services to follow, at Heritage Chapel at Angelus 440 E. Klatt Road, Anchorage, AK 99515.