Jace was born in Eureka on September 17, 2002, and passed at the same hospital at St Joseph hospital February 12, 2026. He was accompanied by his grandparents, parents and brother by his side. 

Jace attended local schools: Noah’s Ark Preschool, Dow’s Prairie elementary, Toddy Thomas middle school, Fortuna High and College of the Redwoods. Jace graduated from Fortuna High in 2020. He developed a strong interest in the arts and humanities, while enjoying time with his true friends that stayed beside him throughout thick and thin. 

Throughout school it was a struggle but never gave up and was almost done with completing College of the Redwoods with the intent to transfer over to Sonoma State for their Art Therapy Program. He loved to do digital art and always was thinking of others before himself. Jace was involved with the TAY Program and the LGBTQ community. He would sell stickers, cookies, and his Art at community events which allowed him to encounter many true life long friends. 

Jace worked at Subway and Restif Cleaning while attending school but started getting really sick. After a trip to Alaska he had to go to the hospital for a CT scan and found a large tumor attached to the pelvic area. Then later underwent biopsy’s, genetic testing, and pet scans which revealed Jace had formed stage 4 Pecoma Sarcoma. A very rare type of cancer. Even though it was far along we had faith and were fighting the fight alongside Jace. Countless family separations for UCSF appointments, chemo and radiation treatments. In Fall of 2024 we surprised Jace to go see his favorite comedian Fluffy Gabriel Iglesias at the Chase center in San Francisco. It was a night that I know Jace deeply enjoyed and remembered. Jace fought for almost two full years but his body couldn’t take it anymore. On the early morning of February 12 he passed away.

His passing has truly touched so many. We would like to thank Dr. Monga, a sarcoma specialist at UCSF for dedicating his life to finding a cure and helping us throughout the journey. Dr. Shayeb and all the nurses in the cancer center at St. Joseph’s hospital for the compassion given to us every time we went there. Dr. Trieu for his thoughtfulness and expertise in care and procedures given.

Jace is survived by his father Ramiro, mother Katrina, brother David, grandparents David and JoAnn McDonald, son Yoshi (golden retriever). Countless family and friends that were checking on him almost every day. Shasta Brown, Danniel, Kalen (papa k), Miranda Dixon, Lucretia, Persephone, Joe, Damian and Landon. Jace had a special bond with everyone he touched and cared for them deeply. You can finally rest and not suffer anymore.

Please make donations in his name to mental health, LGBTQ or art therapy organizations, or programs of choice.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. We will notify family and friends details.