Jace Anthony Dean Hasskew

 Some people move through life quietly. Jace Anthony Dean Hasskew did not. Jace lived in a way that made people feel seen, welcomed, and valued. Wherever he went—whether it was a racetrack, a military base, a workplace, or a room full of strangers—he became the light that drew others in. He made friends effortlessly, treated everyone like family, and carried a deep compassion that defined who he was at his core.

Jace Hasskew passed away on December 16, 2025. He was born on September 14th, 1995 to April Bender and Chad Hasskew. Jace graduated from West Holmes High School, Class of 2014, where he played baseball and excelled both on and off the field. His love for speed, competition, and precision began early. At just eight years old, he started riding an XR 100, and by fourteen he was competing on a Kawasaki Ninja 250.  As Jace’s skills progressed, so did his bikes moving from a 2nd Gen Ninja 250, 2nd Gen SV650, 06 GSX-R 600, and finally a 2024 Yamaha R7. Racing quickly became more than a passion—it became a way of life.

Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course was Jace’s home track, a place filled with tradition, family, and lifelong friendships. He raced with WERA, MotoAmerica, and ASRA. He went on to race professionally, participating in club and endurance racing, and coaching young riders through MotoAmerica. Jace had an undeniable talent and a fearless spirit—you couldn’t tell him “no.” Yet what people remember most isn’t just how fast he was, but how deeply he cared. When Jace arrived at the track, he made it a point to walk around and catch up with everyone before unloading his bike. Racing was important to him, but people always came first.

In 2017, Jace suffered the devastating loss of his mother, April (Bender) Rogers, in a tragic accident. She was his rock, and her loss profoundly shaped how he lived—pushing him to love harder, show up more, and never take time or people for granted.

Jace attended the University of Northwestern Ohio, where he studied High Performance Motorsports and Business , further cementing his dedication to the sport he loved. Through racing, he met countless people who became family to him—a chosen family bound by respect, loyalty, and shared passion.

Even as a young boy, Jace was known for playing Army, showing early signs of the respect he held for those who serve. It came as no surprise when he later told his friends and family he wanted to join the United States Army. In 2019, at the age of 25, Jace enlisted—older than most of his peers. His age earned him the nickname “Grandpa,” but it also made him a natural leader. He guided, mentored, and supported the young men around him, becoming someone they leaned on for advice, strength, and encouragement.

Jace trained at Fort Benning, Georgia, completing AIT and Airborne School before being stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, with the 82nd Airborne Division, 2-502 PIR, 3BCT. He served as an 11 Charlie Infantry Mortarman (U.S. Army MOS 11C). During his deployment near the Poland–Ukraine border, approximately 25 kilometers from Russia, Jace helped reinforce NATO troops and was promoted to Sergeant in February 2022. His service shaped him deeply, strengthening his sense of purpose and solidifying bonds that would last a lifetime.

After his honorable discharge, Jace returned home to be closer to those he loved. He began working at Insightsoftware, where he was recently promoted to Senior Business Development Representative. True to who he was, Jace used his role to help others. He worked to develop a program supporting veterans and the “22 a Day” suicide prevention movement. When veterans joined the company, Jace was often the first person to reach out—offering support, understanding, and a listening ear. Many shared that Jace helped save their lives, helping them face their darkest moments. His concern for humanity and his desire to make the world better never wavered.

Jace also returned to racing after the military, finally able to fully immerse himself in his professional career once again—doing what he loved, surrounded by people he loved.

Jace is survived by his father, Chad Hasskew; grandmother, Rebecca Croft; aunt and uncle, Anthony Bender and Melissa (Jeff) Gallion; cousins Hayleigh Bender, Brayden (Haylee) Bender, Dyllan Bender, Zeke Galbraith, Tyler Gallion, Haley Gallion and Stetson Bender; step-siblings Savannah Estep, Samantha Donaldson, and Seth Rogers; and his beloved German Shepherd “American Shepherd”, Milo—whom Jace jokingly referred to as an “absolute killer,” though everyone knew he was just as sweet as his owner.

He is also survived by countless others he called family: close friends, his racing family, and his military brothers—each carrying a piece of Jace with them.

Jace was preceded in death by his beloved mother, April Rogers, and his great-grandparents, Dean and Paulene Croft.

In his final act of kindness, Jace made the honorable decision to be an organ donor. Through this selfless gift, he gave life to others—ensuring that his legacy of compassion, generosity, and love continues on.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 27, from 1:00–6:00 PM, with services beginning at 1:00 PM, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church Social Hall, 379 S. Crawford Street, Millersburg, Ohio 44654.

Jace’s life was defined not by how fast he went, but by how deeply he loved. He left every place—and every person—better than he found them, and his light will continue to shine through all who were blessed to know him.