Jace Sargent

Jace Sargent lit up every room he entered. A vibrant 10-year-old known for his smile, energy, and boundless curiosity, Jace inspired radiant laughter and instant friendships wherever he went. From beach adventures and four-wheeler rides to imaginative Lego creations and late-night snuggles with mom, he filled life with laughter, mischief, and wonder. Loved deeply by family from Michigan to Florida, Jace’s bright spirit and unforgettable joy will be cherished forever.

2015 marked a time of excitement and discovery. NASA’s Mars Odyssey completed its 60th orbit around Mars while its Dawn probe became the first spacecraft to orbit a dwarf planet. As the first-generation Apple Watch was released, the movies Jurassic World and Ant-Man dominated the screens. It seems fitting that Jace was born during such an exciting time on September 6, 2015, in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

From his earliest days, Jace possessed a lot of energy and curiosity. His rambunctiousness inspired his parents to install hooks on all the doors and gates in the hallways to keep him safe as they chased after him. Jace was quite an artist; he drew on every wall in the house and even used his mom’s fingernail polish, which ended up all over him and the carpet.

Fondly known by his loved ones as Jace Poo and Little Poo, he was a great swimmer who loved going to the beach and hanging out with his cousins in Florida. He spent a lot of time fishing for bass and exploring the treasures at the massive Red Barn Flea Market. While his parents would hang out at the bar, Jace and his cousins would explore this favorite place where all the vendors knew them by name.

At home, Jace enjoyed riding his four-wheeler on the family’s property and was a fourth grader at Mattawan Later Elementary. He liked school, and his teachers loved him. Each day began with his parents making breakfast; either the pancakes he loved, waffles, or French toast. Some of his other favorites included pizza and chicken nuggets. At night, when he’d find his mom and ask to snuggle with her, he’d always say “I love you.” His mom would tell him, “I love you more,” and Jace with all his cuteness, would end it with, “I know a bigger number!”

While staying with his dad in the cabin out back on their property, Jace loved to show off. He could turn anything into a friendly competition, including who had the biggest arc in a peeing contest (which he won of course). Jace also enjoyed walking and picking up sticks. Except on one occasion, he discovered it was not a stick; it was a snake! It instantly wrapped itself around his hand, giving him quite the fright.

Indoor play usually involved building Legos into whatever his imagination envisioned. Jace possessed a confident “I can do it!” attitude that led to a lot of fun helping dad assemble stuff. PlayStation was also a fun hobby, playing Fortnite and other games. Once, when he got hold of his dad’s credit card, he accidentally racked up a huge bill not realizing what he’d gotten into.

Though his days with us were far too few, every moment we shared with Jace is a gift we will long treasure. As we share our wonderful memories, may we find comfort in the countless ways we will carry Jace’s legacy of love and light forward. In each moment we embrace life fully, trust our creative inspirations, confidently explore the outdoors, share a warm cuddle, express our love, and welcome a new friend, we keep Jace’s memory alive and inspiring others as he so inspired each of us. Even in his passing, Jace shared his boundless heart. His final act of kindness was becoming an organ donor through Gift of Life. With his brave and generous gift, Jace’s spirit will continue to brighten the lives of another family in need.

Jace Sargent of Lawton, age 10, died on November 13, 2025. Surviving are his parents, Gordon and Kathy Sargent; siblings, Jaden and Jacob; and lots of extended family from Michigan to Florida. Please join us at a Life Story Service on Thursday, November 20, at 11 AM at Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Homes, 60900 M40, Paw Paw, (269) 657-3870. A reception will follow, where food, drinks, and stories can be shared. Celebrate Jace’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundation.