Jim Nace

THOMPSONTOWN - Jim Nace, 55, of Thompsontown, died at 8:55 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, at his home.

Born March 20, 1954, in Derry Township, Mifflin County, he is the son of Herbert and Cora (Ehrenzeller) Nace of McAlisterville. His wife of more than 33 years, Chrystal A. (Womer) Nace, whom he married on March 21, 1976, also survives as well as their two daughters, Jamie Ann Nace, of Thompsontown, and Dr. Mindy Lee Nace Merritt and her husband Stewart, of Wrightsville Beach, N.C. In addition, he is survived by two sisters, Linda Brouse and her husband Walter, of McAlisterville, and Kathy Whitesel and her husband Jeff, of Mifflintown.

He was a 1972 graduate of East Juniata High School, Cocolamus, a member of the Brown's United Methodist Church, the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing and the York County Racing Club, where he has been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

In his earlier life, Jim worked as a mechanic for Regester's Chevrolet, Polaron Homes and United Parcel Service. Then in 1989, he and Chrystal started Fast Tees, a screen-printing business. For the past 20 years, their entrepreneurial efforts have supplied screen-printed apparel to the racing community and beyond. Jamie, his younger daughter, will continue the family business.

As one of Central PA's favorite sprint car drivers, Jim's racing career started in 1976 and over the next 31 years he garnered a total of nine championships, including five at Selinsgrove Speedway, two at Williams Grove Speedway and one at Susquehanna Speedway, and in 1987, he was the Central PA Pabst Sprint Car Champion. In addition to being a driver, he also was the owner and mechanic for the Fast Tees No. 6, highlighted by winning Port Royal Speedway's inaugural "Dream Race" in 2007 and qualifying for the Knoxville Nationals in August of 2009. Jim also enjoyed snowmobiling in Canada and participated in a week-long cross-country race called "Challenge Kanada." He was an avid big game hunter and especially enjoyed elk hunting at his camp in Montana.

A memorial service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 22, 2009, at Brown's United Methodist Church, Cocolamus with his pastor, the Rev. Ronald E. Landis and Pastor Robert Landis officiating. Interment will be private. Immediately following the memorial service, Jim's family will receive friends in the church social hall until 4:30 p.m.

For those who wish, memorial donations in Jim's memory may be made to Hospice: The Bridge, 400 Highland Ave., Lewistown, PA 17044, or to the York County Racing Club, c/o the Injured Drivers Fund, 568 Yale St., York, PA 17403 or to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, 5705 Grant Creek, Missoula, MT 59808.

The Brown Funeral Homes, Inc., 111 Westfall St., McAlisterville has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Online condolences and tributes may be sent to www.brownfuneralhomesinc.com.