Only the - Cook Children's

Pace setters
Three generations of the Pace family gathered at Meacham International Airport in February to
celebrate an honorable moment in their family’s history ~ the unveiling of the new Joe K. Pace Hangar.
The hangar, dedicated exclusively to Cook Children’s Teddy Bear Transport’s base operations, helps
recognize Pace’s years of dedication, advocacy and support of Cook Children’s.
During his lifetime, Joe K. Pace made an incredible mark on Cook Children’s Medical Center. He was a member of the Coordinating
Board that facilitated the merger of Cook Children’s and Fort Worth Children’s Hospital. In addition, he led the Challenge for Children
Campaign, which raised $28 million for the expansion of the medical center in the early 90s, and was a member of Jewel Charity.
Joe served as President of J.C. Pace Holding Co. and Kimbell Inc., and throughout his life he was an avid aviation enthusiast and
pilot. Joe’s love of flying came from his father, J.C. Pace Jr., who served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Joe, his brother Gary
and Joe’s son, J.C. Pace III, carried on the tradition and also became pilots.
According to Joe’s son J.C. III, Joe would always comment whenever he saw the Cook Children’s Teddy Bear Transport team taking
off from Meacham Field, “I wonder where they are going and what their mission might be.”
So it was with an immense sense of pride when the Pace family came together at Meacham International Airport to celebrate the new
Teddy Bear Transport hangar and base of operations, dedicated to Joe K. Pace.
The hangar is also special for Cook Children’s. It is the first time that the entire Teddy Bear Transport crew, two ambulances,
helicopter and plane are all under one roof.
The relationship between Cook Children’s and the Pace family is one that goes back generations, and now it can continue for years
to come. Gary Pace said his brother would be very honored to have his name associated with this outstanding facility, and that is
especially meaningful to the family as well.
8 Children’s Promise | The magazine of Cook Children’s