Bryan Stalder
Contributor

When news of Joe Pace’s passing reached the Historic Northeast, it didn’t just mark the end of an era for local car culture; it felt like a mainstay of our collective childhood had been uprooted. For decades, Joe’s shop on Independence Avenue wasn’t just a business—it was a landmark of imagination where Ghostbusters lived, DeLoreans traveled through time, and the “legendary Joe Pace” turned metal into dreams.

To our readers, Joe was more than a master craftsman. He was the neighbor who waved from his “Back to the Future” car, the friend who joined Pace for lunch once a week for 50 years, and the mentor who let neighborhood kids step inside his shop to sand the cars and learn the trade.

While Joe was known for his flashy creations, Denise Ferguson-Talley reminded us of the humble heart behind the custom chrome. She recalled the day Joe used his “tricked-out hearse” to transport Kendall Kohr, a well-known figure of Independence Avenue beloved by many in Northeast, to his final resting place. “That day, Joe gave humble respect and dignity to Kendall,” she shared. It was a sentiment echoed by many: Joe Pace treated everyone—from high-profile clients to the “harmless, quirky” souls of the Avenue—with the same level of respect.

For many who grew up in the 70s and 80s, Joe’s shop was a destination. Christopher Phillips remembered riding bikes down to the Avenue just to peek inside the windows. Instead of shooing them away, Joe invited them in. “Once we told him what we were doing, he would take us in the shop and show us around,” Christopher recalled. “Some of my best memories growing up.”

Others, like Troop Leader Jessie, remembered “Slimer” perched on the body shop at the corner of Independence Avenue and Monroe, waving to him while shopping at Apple Market. Whether it was the Ghostbusters car at World of Wheels or the “Ghostblaster” being built around the block from Sam Thompson’s house, Joe’s work provided a “thrill” that unified the neighborhood. Ingrid Burnett, who taught Joe’s children at Holy Cross, noted that his generosity and dedication to the community are the true hallmarks of his legacy.

The stories shared by our readers paint a picture of a man who lived colorfully. Friends spoke of his museum-like home in Blue Summit, an unincorporated area to the east of Northeast, known affectionately as “Dogpatch,” complete with a round bed and a fish tank in the ceiling, and his penchant for a good joke. From Mike Gordon’s memories of Joe scaring people at the Catacombs under the 12th Street Bridge to Sherl Ortiz Knight’s recent lunch with him at Church’s Chicken, the consensus is clear: Joe was a “Kansas City treasure.”

Joe Pace’s creations will be missed, but it’s the man who always had time for a chat, a wave, or a tour of his shop that will be missed most of all. As Ross Costanzo aptly put it, “There are just people in this world you’d never consider their passing because they are such a mainstay. Joe Pace was the foundation of our community.”

Below is a gallery of photos shared by our readers on Facebook:

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Celebration of Life

The community is invited to celebrate Joe Pace’s life this Saturday, March 28th, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Boulevard Drive-In Theater (1051 Merriam Lane, KCK).

In true Joe fashion, attendees are encouraged to bring their hot rods, motorcycles, and custom cars. A slide show will begin at 8:00 PM. The event is free and open to all who wish to share a story and celebrate a man who truly lived a “custom” life.