Jace Harlow Botsford

Resided in Rapid River, MI
Died October 1, 2020

Jace Harlow Botsford, age 26, of Rapid River, passed away Thursday, October 1, 2020, at his home in Gladstone, of natural causes.

Jace was born October 27, 1993 in Marquette, MI, along with his twin brother Kade, on his mother’s birthday. His parents, John and Julie (Valiquette) Gudwer, raised their family in Escanaba and Rapid River where he made many wonderful friendships in both communities.

Jace was a 2012 graduate of Rapid River High School and a graduate of Paul Mitchell The School in Escanaba. Jace worked at The Village Salon, along with his mother, in Rapid River where he made many friends. He was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River and he loved the Lord.

To know Jace was to love him. He was a true light, spreading love, kindness, joy and certainly laughter to everyone he touched.

Jace loved being with his family, friends and all of his pets.
He enjoyed the outdoors, music and he loved to play guitar.

In an addition to his parents, Jace is survived by brothers:
Robert Henry (Ashley) Botsford IV, nephews Rory and Calvin;
Derek John (Kathryn) Botsford, niece Sophie and new nephew;
Kade (Caitlin) Botsford, nephew Forrest and niece Lena Harlow.

Grandparents: John and JoAnn Gudwer Sr; Patricia Valiquette

Great Grandmother : Lillian Wery

Special friend: Gwendolyn Atkins

Uncles: Jeff, Dana, Mike, Greg and Matthew Valiquette;
Tom Gudwer and Bill Sykes
Aunts: Beth Gudwer, Marijo Shonubi, Luann Valiquette, Pam Blanchard and Kathie MacLachlan

Many loving Great Aunts, Great Uncles and dear cousins

Jace was preceded in death by:
Grandparents: Dwain and Lorraine (Oja) Valiquette
Great Grandparents: Cecil Wery, Francis and Joan Gudwer
Uncle Bola Shonubi and Aunt Rhonda Valiquette

Jace will be sadly missed forever but will always live in our hearts.
We love you big as the sky forever and ever.
Rest in Peace our Love.

A family graveside service for Jace will be held on October 10th 2020 at Gladstone Fernwood Cemetery, with Pastor Stephen Gauger officiating. To Celebrate the Life of Jace a gathering will follow from 3pm to 6pm at the Rapid River Lions Club and all are welcome!

The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.

53 Tributes for “Jace Harlow Botsford”

    Julie, my heart hurts so bad for the pain you going through! Jace was such a beautiful soul, praying for you and John.

    Julie, please know we are praying for you and your family. We watched Jace grow and want you to know he was always a polite , well mannered young man. He will be remembered.

    Dear Bob and family,
    We are very saddened to learn of your sudden and tremendous loss. We send our most sincere sympathy to you and your family. Linda, Gary and Family

    As parents ourselves we cant even imagine the pain you and your family are going through. Our hearts are full of sorrow for you . Hugs, Prayers and love Jeff and Kathy

    Julie, there are things that are beyond words, and this is one of them. You are in my thoughts and prayers. When I think of Jace, I think of his smile, and always having a bear hug for me. His heart was bigger than him, so he shared it with everyone.. I will truly miss him. Rest in peace, Jace. And until the day that I can collect another bear hug, God Bless you.

    I’ve known Jace since 5th grade. I graduated with him. I love him like a brother. I’m so saddened by this. My life will never be the same. One of the few friends that constantly stayed in touch with me after high school ❤️

    dear Family of Jace: cannot imagine the heartbreak. He was one of those students you never forget…always polite, ready for a laugh, kind to everyone!

    Dear Julie ,John and Kade I grieve with you . Jase was such a light when ever I saw him. Always a big smile and greeting. He was a talented Barber too. I enjoyed how he made shaggy guys look presentable again!! You are all in our prayers.

    Our hearts are deeply saddened with the loss of jace. He leaves us with a huge hole in our hearts. My deepest sympathies to you all. We won’t forget the fun, laughter, the jokester that he was. Tender hearted and kind. I will keep you all in my prayers.

    Oh, so sorry to here this. We met Jace through his brother Kade and spent a
    great day in MI playing frisbee in his yard. A gentle spirit to be remembered.

    Jace, my heart is so very heavy as I type this out. You are so very loved and missed! Thank you for being a friend and brother to so many. Anyone who came in contact with you, left with a smile. Your kindness was genuine and contagious. May you rest easy my friend.

    Dear family of Jace,
    Jace was a shining star. His smile and infectious love of life was obvious the moment he was in your presence. Great loss to the world.
    Kade, as a twin who lost her other half, I know the wound of sorrow you are feeling. It will heal slightly over time but forever under the surface. I thank God for the gift of memories.
    Your family is in my prayers.

    I’m so sorry, to all of you, for your loss. I’ve seen Jace walking by and I knew him a bit in high school. He was one of the sweetest people, he would always say hi. Prayers to all, you’re all in my thoughts.

    So sorry to hear of your loss. I have known the Valiquette family all my life. Awesome family and im sure Jace got some of his traits from you all. I didnt know this young man, but Im sure I will meet him one day. Prayers and hugs to all.

    To Jace’s family, I am so saddened by the heartbreak I know you are feeling over the loss of your Jace. I did not know Jace personally but I just laid to rest my own young son this past summer and I feel the heaviness of your pain. May God’s Angels have carried Jace home.

    To Julie, John and Kade, I offer my sincere sympathies and pray that God will give you strength and comfort as you struggle with this.

    You have my condolences and prayers. He was such a nice young man, I always enjoyed our little talks when he was cutting my hair. I will miss him.

    I’ve known Jace since elementary school. Him and his family were like a second home to me. Even though I moved away I still consider him like a brother. We stayed in touch as much as we could since then. My condolences go out to his family. I love you all and you’ll be in my prayers.

    Jace made people smile. Whatever it took, he could made us all laugh and smile when he was around. That is truly a rare and beautiful thing. He will be missed. RIP Jace❤

    Sending much love and prayers for God’s comfort during this difficult time. I was blessed to know Jace through many youth group gatherings within the church. May he rest in peace. xo Donna

    I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Deepest condolences. There is no pain quite like that of losing a child. John thank you so much for your kindness to me that night in June 2014 when you had to give me some of the worst news possible. It’s never been forgotten. Julie please know that my mothers heart aches so much for you. Kade, know that your brother will be with you always in your heart and memories. Prayers to you all.

    Jace was such a ray of sunshine. He sure made me smile every time I saw him. I am happy to have known such a wonderful-happy spirit. Our deepest sympathies and many prayers for you all. ❤️

    John,Julie,Kade and family
    We are so sorry for your loss. No parent/sibling should have to endure such heartache. We hope you find comfort in knowing that he is home with the Lord and you will see him again in heaven. We are here for you guys and we are keeping you all in our prayers

    So heart broken that he is gone. We will forever feel his spirit. Jace was special! Loved his energy and kind heart. My heart goes out to Kade, Julie and the rest of the family.

    My heart is broken for you Julie. Jace always had a special place in my heart and always will. I pray for healing for your family, until we can see him again❤️

    Thoughts and prayers to the entire family. Jace was a great guy and he will be truly missed by many.

    Dear Julie, John and Family- Our hearts break for you all. Jace was such a beautiful, joyful young person. He always had an upbeat greeting and warm conversation when we met. We will be holding you all close in our thoughts and prayers.

    Julie and John, Our hearts hurt so bad for the pain you going through! Jace was such a joy to be around and truly a beautiful soul. We are thinking of you at this difficult time.

    Julie, John and family, I wish I could take away your heartbreak. May the comfort of God help you through this difficult time

    John and Julie, So sorry to read about Jaces passing. He was such a happy person to be around always smiling and laughing. We will surely be thinking of you all during this difficult time.

    Jace has always held a spot in my heart since I met him teaching at Paul Mitchell the School. We had many conversations, hugs, vents, laughs and jokes. He had a beautiful heart that I will never forget. I wish I could hug him one more time. To the family of Jace, my heart is hurt with you and I hope you find solace in knowing that I’m praying and sending all my love to you all.

    Julie, I’m so sorry to hear of Jace’s death. Jace was a kind and friendly young man. I enjoyed visiting with him several times while I was at you salon. At that time, Jace was attending the Paul Mitchell school and so excited about his future. Know that I am holding you and your family lifted in prayer. May you feel God’s close embrace as you walk through the days to come.

    So sorry to hear the news about Jace. I don’t even have words. Sending strength and prayers to your family.

    Julie, John and Kade, Heartfelt thoughts and prayers to you and your family at this most difficult time. When there are no words, may you find comfort and peace knowing that God is with you and holding you all in his ever loving arms. ❤️❤️❤️

    I just wanted to send my condolences to Jace’s family. He was an incredible person. I had a class with him our senior year at the ISD and he was always so sweet. He will be so missed. I wish I could attend the service, but I have to work. However, my thoughts will be with all of you. Stay strong.

    John, Julie, Kade and family;

    I am so sorry for your loss. Jace was a great young man! My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

    John Julie and Family It fills my heart with sorrow to read of Jace’s passing. May the Lord watch over you all and guide you at this difficult time. Sending Hugs and Prayers to your family.

    I was blessed to spend a little time with Jace shortly before he left us. He was so sweet to spend time with dad and calm him down when he was overwhelmed with noise and too many people at a family gathering. Thank you Julie for bringing him with you. My sweet dear cousin, my heart goes out to you. I want to give you my shoulder to cry on and a hug that might take some of the pain away. I will always be here for you! I love you dearly.

    My heart is very heavy with sadness for you and your family. Jace will be missed by all.
    Love and prayers are with you.

    Julie, John, Kade, and Family,
    The Pearson family extends its sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved son and brother. We were with our son Jake last weekend when we heard the news, and he expressed his extreme sadness at the thought that so wonderful a person should pass so young. He very fondly remembers the twins as being genuinely good souls with unique personalities and hearts of gold. May God comfort you in this most difficult time. As a mother of a son near Jace’s age, my heart breaks for you all.

    Julie and John I am so sorry to hear of your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    My Son’s confided in me , of all the Unhappiness and stress & abuse. My sweet Jace I couldn’t do anything!, because of the dirty police , Corrupt judicial system in Delta County. Rest in peace my dear sweet son I will be joining you shortly. Evil will no longer hurt you anymore . I’m sorry I failed you. Politicians and police are all outlaws In general, and un-American. I don’t even know where my baby boy is laid to rest. I pray that justice will prevail on your behalf, may God have no mercy on them all. All my love you’re a real father. Son I doubt that this tribute will be posted, but I had to do it people need to know the truth! .

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