Justin O'Brian Pace

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

Justin O'Brian Pace was born in Murray, KY and the firstborn son to Jim and Kim Pace. He grew up in Independence, KY where he attended and graduated from Simon Kenton High School. He attended Northern Kentucky University with an interest in construction management before transferring to Murray State University, where his parents attended school. At Murray State, he became an active member of Alpha Sigma Phi: Delta Tau Chapter, where he found an amazing brotherhood and community. 

After graduating with a bachelor's degree in construction management in winter of 2012, he began working for Gerdau Steel. In 2014 Gerdau moved him to Jacksonville, FL where he met his wife Ashli at a local church. The two of them were married in October of 2017 and lived in St. John's, FL. Justin spent 2 years at CanAm Steel and the last 5 years employed by Division 5 Steel Inc. as a Project Manager.

Justin loved our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He grew up in the church and was baptized at the age of 9. He was re-baptized in the Atlantic Ocean in 2019. He believed the Lord gave him the gift of servant leadership. You could often find him tucked away reading His Bible or devotional, serving as an active member of Creekside Christian church. Justin assisted Samaritan's Purse in many hurricane and tornado recovery efforts across the states, worked with Publix to deliver bread to the local church that aided a homeless shelter and financially supported many churches he visited where he heard the gospel message. Some of his favorite ministries that he supported were In Touch Ministries as well as one of his favorite shows, “The Chosen” to help people across the world view and learn about Jesus Christ. He and his wife also helped launch a church plant in St. John's FL. In 2022 he was awarded Fraternity advisor of the year, serving as a mentor and chapter advisor for the brothers of Alpha Sigma Phi: Kappa Omicron chapter at the University of North Florida. In his free time, Justin enjoyed golfing, camping, hiking, exploring National and State parks, football (Bengals and Jaguars!) and binge-watching his favorite shows/movies. Justin believed in meaningful relationships and always enjoyed intentional conversations, especially opportunities to share the Gospel! His love for people, generous spirit, his laugh, smile and sense of humor will be greatly missed. 

Justin is preceded in death by his grandparents: James and Shirley Pace and cousins Alex Wempe and Casey Lofton. He is succeeded in death by his wife Ashli Pace, parents Jim and Kim Pace, grandparents Don and Anne Gunter, and sister Kristen Reyes. Justin would have become an uncle later in September to Levi James Reyes. He also leaves behind his four-legged best friend, Jack. Please consider making a donation to the Chosen TV series (https://www.thechosen.tv/en-us/gift/donate) or to one of the organizations below to honor Justin's memory.