Jim Pace was a professional race car driver born in Monticello in 1960. Although Jim Pace became a professional race car driver, he intended to be a doctor and he is a former pre-med student at Mississippi State University, and medical student at University Medical Center in Jackson.

He started his racing career in 1987. That year he won rookie of the year in the Skip Barber Racing Series. In  1990 he made his first Daytona appearance. His major wins included the 24 Hours of Daytona GTU, the 12 Hours of Sebring GTP Lights in 1991, and the 1994 Exxon Supreme GTU championship after victories at Road Atlanta and Indianapolis Raceway.